Anaemia follow-up guide for families

Food, treatment and follow-up

Iron-rich foods include beans, lentils, leafy vegetables, fortified foods and meat where eaten. Food helps support recovery, but significant anaemia often needs treatment of the underlying cause as well.

Only take iron when advised: it will not correct every kind of anaemia. If prescribed, discuss constipation or nausea rather than abandoning it. Keep iron well away from children because accidental overdose can be fatal. Repeat blood tests may be needed even after energy improves. Seek urgent care with breathlessness at rest, fainting, chest pain or significant bleeding.