Table of contents:
- Thalassemia sufferers need to pay attention to iron consumption
- Food guide for thalassemia sufferers
- 1. Iron
- 2. Zinc
- 3. Vitamin D
- 4. Vitamin E
- 5. Vitamin C
Thalassemia is a genetic disease that is passed down through the blood of the family. There is no cure for thalassemia, but various symptoms of thalassemia can be controlled with therapy and a healthy lifestyle. One of the things that must be considered to overcome thalassemia is a matter of food selection. The reason is, this disease often causes nutritional problems in sufferers, so that the effects can be more fatal. So, what are the recommended food choices for thalassemia sufferers?
Thalassemia sufferers need to pay attention to iron consumption
People with thalassemia are prone to experiencing iron buildup in the body. This generally occurs as a result of severe thalassemia treatment procedures, namely blood transfusions.
People with mild thalassemia also can absorb excess iron from food. Even if the absorption of iron from food does not occur in large quantities, people with thalassemia — both mild and severe — still need to pay attention to their iron intake.
Excess iron in the body can certainly cause problems with your vital organs, such as the liver and heart.
The 2010 study published in The New York Academy of Sciences reported that the nutritional problems most often encountered in people with thalassemia are deficiency of vitamins A, D, E, zinc, to folic acid.
The problem of malnutrition caused by this disease results in various complications of thalassemia, such as weakening the body's immune system and an increased risk of developing osteoporosis. Meanwhile, thalassemia in children and adolescents can cause growth and development disorders and puberty disorders.
Food guide for thalassemia sufferers
Fortunately, people with thalassemia can still live healthier lives when accompanied by eating nutritious foods. Of course, the food menu choices given must be in accordance with the nutritional needs of thalassemia sufferers.
The following are the nutritional content in foods that need to be considered for thalassemia sufferers:
1. Iron
Foods high in iron are considered the most appropriate choice to meet the nutritional needs of thalassemia patients. Iron helps in the production of hemoglobin as well as helps in the production of red blood cells. However, the selection of food sources of iron for thalassemia must consider the quality of the type of iron itself.
In Journal of the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics, explained that the need for iron for thalassemia can be divided into two.
People with thalassemia who do not undergo blood transfusion it is advisable to reduce food products that contain a lot of iron.
Meanwhile, thalassemia patients are routine blood transfusions and undergo iron chelation, there is no need to be on a low iron diet. In this case, a diet low in iron is thought to reduce the quality of life for people with thalassemia.
Remember, what people with thalassemia need to do is reduce iron intake, not avoid it altogether. When you don't get iron at all, the zinc in the body will also decrease.
In fact, zinc is very important for immune formation, maintaining healthy bones, and growth.
Then, what are the food choices that need to be reduced for people with thalassemia? Previously, you need to know that iron is divided into 2 types, namely heme and nonheme. Heme iron is more easily absorbed by the body, while non-heme types must be completely digested before being absorbed by the body.
For thalassemia sufferers who do not undergo blood transfusions, you should reduce your consumption of foods with heme iron, such as:
- red meat (beef, goat, lamb, and pork)
- salmon
- chicken breast
- green shells
As a substitute, you can choose foods that contain non-heme types of iron to prevent excess iron buildup, such as:
- Tofu
- wheat based products (whole wheat bread, biscuits, oat cereal)
- Red beans
- lentils
- broccoli
- spinach
- egg
- dates
Thalassemia sufferers can also choose foods or drinks that can help reduce the absorption of iron, such as tea and milk.
2. Zinc
Another important nutrient that must be contained in the diet for thalassemia sufferers is zinc. This mineral is useful for accelerating growth, maintaining the immune system, and maintaining bone health and strength.
Zinc is a mineral that cannot be stored in the body, so we must get it from our daily diet. You can get zinc intake from food and drinks, such as:
- Red meat
- nuts
- egg
- cheese
- milk
- cereals made from wheat
However, keep in mind that meat consumption in thalassemia patients should still be limited because of its high iron content. You can consult with your doctor first about the dose of zinc and iron that is balanced in your daily menu.
3. Vitamin D
Vitamin D deficiency is also a condition that is commonly found in people with thalassemia. In fact, vitamin D plays a role in absorbing minerals in bone and tooth tissue, maintaining endurance, and fighting various diseases that may arise due to a weakened immune system due to thalassemia. Vitamin D can also reduce the activity of the systems that control your blood pressure.
Therefore, make sure thalassemia sufferers get enough food intake with enough vitamin D to maintain overall health. You can get vitamin D through foods such as:
- egg
- milk
- yogurt
- tuna
- salmon
- cereals
- beef liver
- fish oil
- Orange juice
Dairy products are the right choice of nutritional intake for people with thalassemia to reduce excessive iron absorption from food, but still provide benefits to the body as a source of calcium to strengthen bones.
4. Vitamin E
Vitamin E has an antioxidant function, which is to prevent cell damage from free radicals, which are usually produced when the body is exposed to UV rays, cigarette smoke, and pollution, which are the main causes of various cancers.
Vitamin E also has an immune function, which protects the body from disease. This vitamin also plays a role in maintaining the health and function of various cells in the body.
Good sources of vitamin E for thalassemia are food products that contain healthy fats, such as:
- vegetable oil
- corn oil
- sunflower seed
- sunflower oil
- almond nut
- hazelnuts
- avocado
- dairy products
- cereals
- egg
5. Vitamin C
Vitamin C is a vitamin that you should not miss in your daily diet for thalassemia sufferers. This vitamin is essential for the growth and repair of cells in bones, teeth, and skin. Vitamin C also protects your body from various infections because it maintains the function of the immune system.
In addition, vitamin C works as an antioxidant that helps prevent cell damage from free radicals. Food sources high in vitamin C are vegetables and fruits, such as oranges, strawberries, papayas, and strawberries.
Vitamin C increases the absorption of iron which plays an important role in the functions of your body. Iron helps make hemoglobin, the part of red blood cells that carries oxygen. Vitamin C also helps in the production of red blood cells. However, avoid consuming food sources of vitamin C along with foods of iron sources for thalassemia sufferers. This is to avoid excessive iron absorption.
