Guide to Meeting the Nutritional Needs of People With Thalassemia

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Thalassemia is a genetic disease that is inherited through family blood. There is no cure for thalassemia, but various symptoms caused by this condition can be controlled by therapy and a healthy lifestyle. One of the things that must be considered for managing thalassemia is the selection of food. Because, thalassemia often causes nutritional problems. The impact can be even more fatal. So, what are the food choices for thalassemia?

Thalassemia patients need to pay attention to iron consumption

Indonesia is one of the countries with the highest risk of thalassemia in the world. According to data collected by the World Health Organization (WHO) of 100 Indonesians, there are 6 to 10 people at risk of thalassemia.

Genetic mutations make the body unable to produce the perfect form of hemoglobin. Hemoglobin which is located in red blood cells functions to carry oxygen. This causes the blood to be unable to carry oxygen properly. When the number of healthy red blood cells decreases, the oxygen intake sent to all other body cells will also decrease.

One important thing to note for people with thalassemia is the risk of iron buildup in the body. Indeed, absorption of iron from food does not occur in large quantities. Significant iron buildup can occur due to blood transfusions. For this reason, people with thalassemia should pay attention to iron consumption to avoid buildup.

The 2010 study published inThe New York Academy of Science report reports that the most common nutritional problem in people with thalassemia is deficiency of vitamins A, D, E, zinc, and folic acid.

The problem of malnutrition caused by thalassemia causes a weakening of the body's immune system and a greater risk of osteoporosis when compared to other healthier people. Meanwhile, thalassemia in children and adolescents can cause developmental disorders (delay in growth or even growth failure) and puberty disorders.

Guide to maintaining balanced nutrition for thalassemia patients

1 Iron

Foods high in iron are considered the most appropriate choice to meet the nutritional needs of thalassemia patients. Iron helps the production of hemoglobin while also helping the production of red blood cells. However, the choice of food sources of iron for thalassemia must consider the quality of the type of iron itself.

In the Journal of the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics (2016), it is explained that iron requirements for thalassemia are divided into two, namely non-heme and heme iron. People with thalassemia that does not undergo a blood transfusion It is recommended to avoid iron-fortified food products, and avoid consuming too much red meat. To reduce iron absorption, tea can be consumed while eating. Folic acid supplements are also recommended in this group.

Meanwhile for those with thalassemia must routinely blood transfusion and undergo iron iron, there is no need to undergo a low iron diet. In this case, a low iron diet is actually considered to reduce the quality of life of people with thalassemia.

When iron intake is avoided altogether, zinc intake will decrease. Though zinc is very important for the formation of immunity, maintaining bone health, and growth.

2. Zink

Zinc is a mineral that cannot be stored in the body, so we must meet its needs from daily food. Zinc intake can be obtained from red meat (beef, lamb, pork) and beans. But keep in mind: thalassemia patients who do not need a blood transfusion must limit meat intake.

3. Vitamin D

Vitamin D has the role of absorbing minerals in bone and tooth tissue, maintaining overall body resistance, and fighting various kinds of diseases that may arise due to a weakened immune system due to thalassemia. Vitamin D can also reduce system activity that controls your blood pressure.

Vitamin D is dubbed the "sunshine vitamin," because the body produces these nutrients when the skin is exposed to sunlight. People can also get vitamin D through foods such as eggs, milk, yogurt, tuna, salmon, cereals, beef liver, fish oil and orange juice.

3. Vitamin E

Vitamin E has an antioxidant function, which is to protect cell damage due to free radicals, which are usually produced when the body is exposed directly to UV light, cigarette smoke, and pollution which is the main cause of various cancers.

Then, vitamin E has an immune function, which protects it from disease. Reported from Live Strong, this vitamin is good for elderly people and people with HIV / AIDS to increase immunity. This vitamin also plays a role in maintaining the health and function of various cells in the body. In addition, this vitamin helps balance vitamin K which functions to freeze blood.

A good source of vitamin E for thalassemia is food products which contains healthy fats such as vegetable oil, avocados, dairy products, cereals, nuts, eggs and meat. Dairy products are the right choice of nutrition 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 C

Vitamin C is a type of water soluble vitamin that plays an important role in the growth and repair of cells in the bones, teeth and skin. Vitamin C also protects your body from various infections because of the benefits of vitamin C which maintains the function of the immune system. In addition, vitamin C works as an antioxidant that helps prevent cell damage from free radicals. Foods high in vitamin C are vegetables and fruits, such as oranges, strawberries, papaya, and strawberries.

Vitamin C increases iron absorption which plays an important role in the functioning 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. But if you are not a group of thalassemia who needs a blood transfusion, do not consume food sources of vitamin C together withfood source of iron.This is to avoid excessive absorption of iron.

Guide to Meeting the Nutritional Needs of People With Thalassemia
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