Ten percent of all people 65 or older have anemia, and thats a serious problem.
The condition occurs when the total number of red blood cells, or hemoglobin concentrations, are too low. Hemoglobin, a protein, contains iron and transports vital oxygen throughout the body. Anemic seniors are twice as likely to be hospitalized for falls. Theres also an association between anemia and reduced capacity for physical work and physical inactivity, even death.
But you can help fight anemia just by eating right. Medical researchers from the University of Arizona, Tucson, discovered that deficiencies in one or two nutrients were associated with a 21 percent increased risk of persistent anemia. Risk increased to 44 percent with deficiencies in three nutrients. The study, published in the Journal of the American Dietetic Association, found that the anemic women consumed less protein, foliate, vitamin B12, iron, vitamin C and red meat than their healthier counterparts. And taking a multivitamin or mineral supplements wasnt any help.
The lead researcher of the study, Cynthia A. Thomson, PhD, R.D. an associate professor of nutritional sciences at the University of Arizona in Tucson, said that identifying anemia is a major issue for postmenopausal women. Thomson suggests a diet assessment should be included whenever a diagnosis of anemia is made. A change in nutrient intake may be all it takes to counter-act anemia.
