How to Know Which Foods to Give a Thalassemia Patient

A person who has thalassemia must stick to a specific diet. Foods that are considered healthy for most people can cause serious complications for thalassemia patients. Thalassemia is a group of genetic blood disorders that can cause life long health problems. That’s why it’s important to know which food a thalassemia patient can and cannot eat.

Instructions

Difficulty: Moderately Challenging

1. Avoid foods that contain iron. Some thalassemia patients must get regular blood transfusions. This causes an excess build up of iron in the body which can damage the heart and other organs. Proteins that are high in iron and should be avoided include liver, oysters, pork, beans, beef, peanut butter and tofu. Grains that are iron rich include flour tortillas, infant cereal, and cream of wheat. Fruits and vegetables that contain iron and should be avoided include prunes, watermelon, peas, broccoli, raisins, spinach, and leafy green vegetables.
2. Eat plenty of foods that contain calcium. This is extremely important for keeping the bones strong and healthy. This is crucial for people who have thalassemia since frail and brittle bones can be a complication of the disease. Dairy products are a good source of calcium. An added benefit is that dairy products reduce the body’s ability to absorb iron.
3. Include vitamin D in your diet. Vitamin D is needed so that the body can absorb calcium. Vitamin D is contained in eggs, dairy products and fish.

Tips & Warnings

• Don’t cook with iron pots and pans because some of that can seep into the food.
• Avoid foods such as orange juice, which can increase the body’s ability to absorb iron.
• Tea and coffee can help reduce the amount of iron the body absorbs.
• Always read nutrition labels to check iron levels in foods.
• Thalassemia is also called Cooley's Anemia.