Anemia occurs when the blood does not have enough healthy red blood cells or hemoglobin. There are symptoms such as fatigue, weakness, shortness of breath, dizziness. Factors such as excessive blood loss, side effects of antibiotic use, inadequate and unhealthy diet, alcohol consumption cause anemia. Anemia, especially in children, and iron deficiency caused by anemia prevent mental development and lead to serious consequences. Vitamin C is required for the absorption of iron from food. For this reason, drinking fruit juices containing plenty of vitamin C is good for anemia.
MOST IRON DEFICIENCIES ARE NOT AWARE
Stating that anemia is defined as a decrease in the amount of hemoglobin in the blood and this causes iron deficiency, Nuh Naci Yazgan University Faculty of Health Sciences Department of Nutrition and Dietetics Head Prof. Dr. Neriman İnanç pointed out that iron deficiency usually occurs during childhood and adolescence, when growth is very rapid, and during pregnancy. Inanc said, “One out of every 5 men, one out of every 3 women, one out of every 2 pregnant women and one out of every 5 children experience anemia. However, many are not aware of this situation. While the incidence of anemia in children aged 0-5 in developed countries is between 4 and 20 percent, this rate reaches up to 80 percent in the same age group in underdeveloped countries. Unfortunately, the incidence of anemia in our country is very high at 50 percent,” he said.
FOR THE IRON TO BE USEFUL, IT MUST BE CONSUMED WITH FOODS CONTAINING VITAMIN C.
Noting that iron is found in both animal and plant foods, Prof. İnanç said, “Not all of the iron in food can be absorbed in the body. In order for the iron we take to be beneficial, we must consume it with foods containing vitamin C. For example, 500 milligrams of vitamin C taken with food increases the absorption of iron 6 times. For this reason, fruit juices are a good source to increase vitamin intake. Consuming fruit juices such as orange juice, pineapple juice and grapefruit juice containing vitamin C along with a meal containing high protein and iron increases iron absorption. In order to prevent anemia and to be treated more effectively and quickly after anemia occurs, care should be taken to consume fruit juice, which is a source of vitamins, in every age group.