Dietary recommendations in patients with deficiency anaemia

Abstract

A diet deficient in iron, vitamin B9 (folic acid) and/or vitamin B12 (cobalamin) can affect erythropoiesis and cause anaemia. Treatment consists in the administration of supplements to compensate for dietary deficiencies and build up body reserves. Pharmacological treatment should be complemented by a diet designed to supply the micronutrients lacking in food. Patients should continue to follow the diet even after completing their therapy in order to prevent a recurrence of deficiency anaemia. Nutritionists should understand deficiency anaemia, and physicians, particularly general practitioners, should be aware of dietary requirements. In this article, therefore, both health care professionals have come together to briefly explain, with examples, the type of diet that should be recommended to patients with deficiency anaemia.

Keywords

• Diet
• Anaemia
• Iron
• Folic acid
• Vitamin B12