Vitamin C for iron deficiency anaemia

Iron deficiency anaemia is a type of anaemia marked by a decrease in iron stores in the body, leading to a drop in the number of erythrocytes aka red blood cells.

Red blood cells are responsible for supplying oxygen to the body’s cells and iron is an essential mineral for transporting this oxygen. Therefore, when someone has anaemia the symptoms usually include tiredness, fatigue, weakness and pale skin, among others.

Iron deficiency anaemia is most common among people who need a higher intake of iron, for example:

• Rapid growth stages: infants, children, teenagers.
• Pregnant or lactating women.
• Fertile women with heavy periods.
• People with poor diets that are low in iron.

 Treatment for iron deficiency anaemia

To resolve this problem, it is essential to follow a balanced diet that contains a large amount of foods that are rich in iron, and foodsthat help your body to absorb iron:

• Iron-rich animal-based foods: eggs, red meat, fish, seafood, liver, etc.
• Iron-rich plant-based foods: cereals, pulses, nuts, greens and vegetables.
• Foods that promote the absorption of iron: combining plant-based and animal-based iron-rich foods improves its absorption; foods high in vitamin C.

It is also important to avoid or limit your intake of foods that decrease the body’s absorption of iron, such as whole grains, chocolate, coffee, red wine, tea and vinegar.

 The importance of vitamin C for anaemia

Vitamin C, aka ascorbic acid, promotes the absorption of iron and is therefore essential in treating iron deficiency anaemia.

Good sources of vitamin C include:

• Peppers
• Parsley
• Broccoli
• Citrus fruits like strawberries, oranges, lemons, kiwis etc.