Introduction: Anemia in the elderly is a relatively common condition, as prevalent as calcium deficiency.
The main reasons for anemia in the elderly are as follows: as people age, gastric juice secretion and the activity of digestive enzymes gradually decrease, and the digestive and absorption capacity of the gastrointestinal tract is also reduced. This leads to insufficient iron intake, affecting the synthesis of hemoglobin and causing anemia. Therefore, the elderly should consume more foods rich in iron to maintain the proper application of iron in the bloodstream. Their daily diet should include more foods rich in vitamin C and protein to help with iron absorption and hemoglobin synthesis.
Foods to supplement iron include lean meat, egg yolks, animal liver, kidneys, black fungus, beef, etc. Foods rich in protein include fish, beans, eggs, etc. Fresh fruits and vegetables should also be increased.
Experimental surveys have found that elderly individuals with iron-deficiency anemia often have a concurrent copper deficiency. Copper promotes the absorption and utilization of iron and is one of the essential trace elements for the human body. Copper also participates in the synthesis of human hemoglobin and has a good effect on blood production. A decrease in ceruloplasmin in the body can also hinder the growth of hemoglobin. Therefore, in addition to consuming iron-rich foods, the diet should also include foods containing copper.
Foods rich in copper: animal liver, kidney, heart, oysters, fish, lean meat, beans, sesame seeds, Chinese cabbage, radish sprouts, shrimp, oysters, jellyfish, egg yolks, raisins, tomatoes, nuts, etc.
The elderly often prefer whole grains and natural foods, but this is not enough to counteract the increasing loss of physical energy and iron. The occurrence of anemia indicates that the body has already lost a significant amount of iron and requires timely treatment. Iron supplements like Tie Zhi Yuan tablets, which contain Ejiao, can be taken. They are highly active and easily absorbed by the elderly digestive system. Additionally, elderly individuals with iron-deficiency anemia should not drink strong tea, as it can hinder iron absorption and worsen anemia.