SAEDNEWS: The diet for thalassemia minor should be designed to control the body’s iron absorption and keep it at the lowest possible level. Foods that reduce iron absorption are the best choices for individuals with thalassemia minor.
According to the Health Service of SaedNews, another name for thalassemia minor is mild anemia. People diagnosed with thalassemia minor usually do not require medical treatment or special care after consulting a doctor. The main point of concern for those with thalassemia minor is nutrition and diet. The most important principle in their diet is avoiding foods high in iron.
People with thalassemia minor are susceptible to iron overload. This is mainly due to frequent blood transfusions, which can increase the risk of iron toxicity. Although only a small portion of dietary iron is absorbed by the body, iron absorption increases when hemoglobin levels are low. Therefore, in thalassemia patients, whether during or between transfusions, iron intake must be carefully calculated and monitored by a nutrition specialist.
In healthy individuals, only a small amount of dietary iron is absorbed, but in those with anemia, absorption increases. Thalassemia patients, due to their low hemoglobin levels, absorb more iron from food, so it is important to structure their diet to limit iron absorption.
The diet for individuals with thalassemia minor should focus on foods that reduce iron absorption. Key dietary components include:
1. Whole grains and legumes
Foods such as grains, legumes, and soy contain phytates (phytic acid), which can reduce iron absorption. It is recommended that non-heme iron foods (plant-based iron) be consumed with grains, nuts, or legumes to help control iron intake.
2. Dairy products
Calcium is essential for bone health and can inhibit iron absorption. Dairy products such as milk, cheese, and yogurt are rich in calcium and play an important role in the diet of people with thalassemia minor.
3. Tea or coffee (polyphenols)
Tea and coffee are among the most popular beverages. Drinking them with meals or immediately after eating can reduce iron absorption, making them beneficial for individuals with thalassemia minor.
Patients with thalassemia minor should avoid foods that increase iron absorption:
1. Vitamin C: Iron’s friend, thalassemia’s enemy
Vitamin C significantly enhances iron absorption. Many fruits, especially citrus, and vegetables such as fenugreek, leek, bell pepper, parsley, cauliflower, and arugula are rich in vitamin C. Consuming these alongside non-heme iron foods can increase iron absorption and is not recommended for people with thalassemia minor or major.
2. Red and white meat
Red meat, chicken, and fish contain high amounts of iron and also increase the absorption of iron from other foods, so they should be avoided.
3. Vitamin A and beta-carotene
While vitamin A is important for vision, immune function, and bone growth, consuming it with iron-rich foods increases iron absorption. Beta-carotene, a red or orange pigment found in plants and fruits, converts to vitamin A in the body and has the same effect.
