Is it ok (health wise) to become a vegetarian if I am slightly anaemic?

Answer 1

If you are anaemic, there are lots of vegetable sources of iron: "leafy green vegetables, wholemeal bread, molasses, eggs, dried fruits (especially apricots and figs), lentils and pulses. Vegetable sources of iron are not as easily absorbed as animal sources, but a good intake of vitamin C will enhance absorption." (quoted from source below). If you are still worried, then Boots and most health food shops will have vegetarian multivits that include iron.

Answer 2

As Michael H has already said the answer is yes providing you include the right things in your diet. I am a vegan and a regular blood donor. Every time I give blood they do a test to check my iron levels are high enough. This is done by droping a small amount of my blood into a solution. If it sinks, my iron level is fine. Mine sinks like lead every time and I've never had any problems with fainting, anaemia etc.

In relation to B12 it's utter rubbish that the only source is of animal origin, Marmite has it in abundance. My wife had low B12 levels when she was vegetarian but since becoming vegan her levels have become normal!

So, basically do what your conscience tells you to do, consult a doctor if you're concerned about any particular part of the diet and take the advice of friends who are healthy and vegetarian.

There are a huge number of misconceptions and medical myths about the veggie diet but the truth is if you eat a well ballanced, plant based diet not only will you save a lot of animals you'll also massively reduce your ecological footprint.

Enjoy, you have a lot of fantastic, guilt free meals ahead of you.

Answer 3

If you're anaemic you should be taking iron supplements anyway, it would be fine to become vegetarian if you continue to do so, and eat a nutritious diet. But if you're worried you should speak to your doctor of course.

Answer 4

Yes, being vegetarian will not make you more anaemic. Look on the vegetarian societys' website for more information on nutrition if you're worried about it. Their address is http://www.vegsoc.org

Answer 5

If you are already anaemic, why make it even more difficult to eat a balanced diet? If you are worried about animal rights just eat free range organic meat.

Answer 6

I used to be anemic. I have been a vegetarian for four years. I'm fine! I had to have an iron supplements for over a year. but for the most part Vegetarianism is a better health choice as long as you're smart about it. Besides My anemia became less of a problem once I was a vegetarian for over a year> I don't know if the fact that I am an obo/lacto vegetarian made a difference but as long as you take an iron supplement and watch your condition with your doctor you'll be fine!
Good luck.

Answer 7

I think it would be as long as you keep your diet healthy and regulated. Make sure you are getting enough nutrients, especially protein. Also, if you are A blood type, it is especially good. If you are serious about this, then maybe you could try it out for a few months to see how you feel. You can always start eating meat again if it doesn't agree with you.

Answer 8

If you're slightly anaemic anyway you should be on iron tablets anyway so it shouldn't really make a difference. It doesn't to me!

Answer 9

yes, simple answer.

You can get lots of iron from dark green veggies.

As far as I'm aware ( 26 years veggie ) there are no nutritiental problems with being veggie, there is no need to resort to any suppliments.

(see lotties answer)
I've never seen an animal that was just dead at the weekends but alive during the week. So its not valid to call yourself a veggie during the week, and eat meat at the weekends. There is no need for this half-way house.

Answer 10

To sum others answers reaaly - but is you are worried ask your doctor - you can alwys get great advice from the vegetarian society on the web, but ensuring your diet is well balanced whatever your preference is vital, Take supplements if you need extra sourse of vitamains etc