Preventing Anemia

Take these steps to help prevent some types of anemia:

• Eat foods high in iron:
• red meat
• fish
• chicken
• liver o eggs
• dried fruits, like apricots, prunes, and raisins
• lentils and beans
• green, leafy vegetables, like spinach and broccoli o tofu o cereal with iron in it (iron-fortified)
• Eat/drink foods that help your body absorb iron, like orange juice, strawberries, broccoli, or other fruits and vegetables with vitamin C.
• Don't drink coffee or tea with meals. These drinks make it harder for your body to absorb iron.
• Calcium can hurt your absorption of iron. If you have a hard time getting enough iron, talk to your health care provider about the best way to get enough calcium too.
• Make sure you get enough folic acid and vitamin B-12 in your diet.
• Talk to your HCP about taking iron pills (supplements). Do NOT take these pills without talking to your health care provider first. These pills come in two forms: ferrous and ferric. The ferrous form is better absorbed by your body. But taking iron pills can cause side effects, like nausea, vomiting, constipation, and diarrhea. Reduce these side effects by taking these steps:
• Start with half of the recommended dose. Gradually increase to the full dose.
• Take the pill in divided doses.
• Take the pill with food.
• If one type of iron pill is causing problems, ask your HCP for another brand.
• If you are a non-pregnant woman of childbearing age, get tested for anemia every 5 to 10 years. This can be done during a regular health exam. Testing should start in adolescence.
• If you are a non-pregnant woman of childbearing age with these risk factors for iron deficiency, get tested every year:
• heavy periods
• low iron intake
• previous diagnosis of anemia