World Haemophilia Day: Haemophilia Nutrition Tips - Foods To Eat And Avoid

Importance Of A Proper Diet For Haemophilia

Although medication and therapies are used in the treatment of haemophilia, nutrition and diet can also play an important role. Maintaining ideal body weight, eating healthy and avoiding food items with empty calories is very important [4].

Regardless of the haemophilia type - A, B or C, it is critical to keep your joints strong and healthy, and to maintain a healthy weight to avoid muscle strains and bleeding in vulnerable joints affected by the genetic condition [5].

One of the major complications reported in individuals with haemophilia is obesity [6]. Centres for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) reported that teenagers and children with haemophilia are almost twice as likely to be overweight compared to the general population [7]. Excessive weight can put a strain on the joints and in turn lead to bleeds.

In addition to this, maintaining healthy iron levels is also important for people with haemophilia because an estimated 0.75 micrograms of iron is lost with every 15 ml of blood, pointing out the importance of sufficient iron consumption through diet [8]. Health experts point out that combining iron-rich foods with good sources of vitamin C can enhance iron absorption by the body [9]. Choose foods that are baked, broiled, or grilled than fried and are low in saturated fat.

Foods To Eat For Haemophilia

Individuals with haemophilia are recommended to stick to a diet rich in whole foods and low in fats, added sugars and salt [10].

1. Calcium-rich Foods

Calcium helps build strong bones and maintain healthy teeth. Calcium-rich foods can help support platelet formation and blood clotting, as well as prevent excessive wound bleeding [11]. Add foods such as broccoli, tofu, yoghurt, figs, kale, milk, cheese, soymilk, asparagus, orange, almonds etc.

2. Iron-rich Foods

When you bleed, due to the condition in excess, iron is lost from your body. So, having a diet with iron-rich foods can help the formation of haemoglobin in our body [12]. Include lean red meat, beans, poultry, nuts, seeds and raisins in your diet. Also, iron is better absorbed when you eat with vitamin C such as oranges and tomato [13].

3. Vitamin C Foods

Eating a vitamin-C rich diet can help improve blood clotting and the production of collagen in our body [14]. Collagen can help reduce the severity of bruising associated with haemophilia. Include foods such as strawberries, oranges, apples, kiwi, spinach, blueberries, pineapple, papaya and Brussels sprouts [15].

4. Vitamin K Foods

Vitamin K is important for the production of prothrombin, a coagulation or clotting factor that is needed for the normal clotting of blood, and glycogen, which may help to improve your liver function and blood clotting[16]. In addition to this, consuming foods rich in vitamin K also helps to control excessive bleeding [17]. Include foods such as spinach, broccoli, turnip greens, cabbage, asparagus, dark green lettuce, oats, bran, alfalfa, canola, olive oils, green tea.

5. Vitamin B Foods

Vitamin B12 and vitamin B6 help in the production of red blood cells and all the B vitamins such as riboflavin and niacin improve the blood circulation and production in your body [18]. Include foods such as bananas, peas, corn, orange juice, peanut butter, egg yolks, poultry, fish, milk, yoghurt, fermented cheese, whole grains and soybeans. [19].

Note: Excessive consumption can increase the risk of bleeding.

6. Stay Hydrated

Hydration is very important for individuals with haemophilia. Your whole body and its system need water to function properly. Try to drink 8 to 12 cups of water every day and more if you are very active or reside in warmer regions [20].

Foods To Avoid For Haemophilia

Avoid foods high in saturated fat and sugar [21]. Fatty snacks, fried foods, soda, sugary candies should be avoided. It is alright to eat a piece of chocolate or a form of sweet treat once in a while but practice portion control and limit frequency.

Limit your intake of the following foods [22]:

• Sugary candy
• Full-fat dairy products
• Soft drinks, energy drinks and sweetened tea
• Butter
• Heavy sauces
• Foods with trans fat such as pastries, pizza, cookies etc.

In addition to this, you should avoid supplementation of vitamin E or fish oil as some of these supplements can make bleeding worse, so consult your doctor first.Avoid ginger, garlic and ginkgo biloba supplements as well.

On A Final Note…

While incorporating these foods into your diet, make sure the diet is a well-balanced one. Consult your doctor or nutritionist before starting the diet. Although there are no special dietary recommendations for people with haemophilia, following some of the above tips may help you optimize overall health.