Patient's question:
The child has a yellow complexion, sometimes pale, looks malnourished, and doesn't like to exercise. What should a child with nutritional anemia eat?Doctor's answer:
Nutritional anemia is preventable and treatable. Once anemia occurs, certain laboratory tests should be conducted to determine which type of anemia it is—whether it is iron-deficiency or megaloblastic anemia. Iron, folic acid, vitamin B12, and other supplements can be administered based on the underlying cause. Animal-based foods are rich in iron and vitamin B12, with iron absorption rates as high as 15% to 20%. Animal liver is particularly rich in various nutrients and is the preferred food for preventing nutritional anemia. One hundred grams of pork liver contains 25 milligrams of iron and is easily absorbed by the body.