Your body can lose essential nutrients, particularly iron, if excessive bleeding occurs. In addition, fear of bleeding can make children with the clotting disorder, hemophilia, less likely to be active, raising their risk of obesity.

No specific diet can treat hemophilia. But a balanced diet (with some key foods in mind) can supply essential nutrients and support overall health.

Here are some ideas about what to eat.

Foods To Eat More of With Hemophilia

You can’t eat your way to zero bleeds. However, many foods are packed with nutrients that some people with hemophilia need. Consider adding these to your menu.

If you thought oysters were just for seaside vacations, think again. Oysters are an excellent source of iron, providing 44 percent (8 milligrams) of the daily recommended value for adults in one 3-ounce serving.

The type of iron found in oysters and other seafood is called heme iron. Heme iron is more bioavailable. That means it’s easier for your body to absorb.

Consume Oysters Safely

While many people consider raw oysters a delicacy, they may not be the safest choice. Vibrio bacteria are naturally found in waters where oysters live.

It’s impossible to tell if an oyster is infected with Vibrio by how it looks, tastes, or smells. For most people, food poisoning from undercooked oysters leads to mild symptoms like diarrhea, but in some cases, it may require emergency care.

Fortunately, you can enjoy all the health benefits of oysters — with much less risk of food poisoning — by cooking them. To cook with the shells on, boil oysters until the shells open, and then continue boiling for another three to five minutes. Another approach is to add shelled oysters to a steamer when the water is steaming, and cook them for four to nine minutes.

Shucked oysters can be boiled in water or fried in oil for three minutes, broiled on high heat for three minutes, or baked in the oven at 450 degrees Fahrenheit for 10 minutes. You can also cook oysters in stews and hearty dishes like a jambalaya.

Other Iron-Rich Foods

Finding natural iron sources that you can enjoy regularly can help reduce your risk of iron-deficiency anemia. You can also get iron from lean red meats and other types of seafood.

White beans are another great source of iron — 1 cup has 8 milligrams (44 percent of the daily value). Additionally, some breakfast cereals come fortified, or enhanced, with 100 percent of a healthy person’s daily recommended value of iron. Talk to your doctor if you’re concerned about whether your iron levels are in the healthy range.

Vitamin C is another essential nutrient, especially for people with hemophilia. Foods rich in vitamin C enhance your body’s iron absorption from plant sources like beans and spinach.

Vitamin C also plays a role in collagen production and wound healing. It helps keep your skin strong and ready to recover from injuries.

Red vs. Green

Bell peppers are one of the best sources of vitamin C. A half cup of raw red bell peppers has over 100 percent of the daily required vitamin C for adults, around 95 milligrams.

Green bell peppers aren’t too far behind, with 67 percent of your daily vitamin C in a half-cup serving, around 60 milligrams. You can eat bell peppers with dip or hummus, on sandwiches, and in salads.

Preparation Tip

To get the most vitamin C in your fruits and veggies, eat them raw and fresh. Cooking and storing for long periods can destroy some of the vitamin C.

Other Sources of Vitamin C

Other great sources of vitamin C include oranges, grapefruit, kiwi, broccoli, and strawberries.

Leafy green vegetables have a lot to offer, including vitamin K. This vitamin promotes normal blood clotting. Greens also contain folate (folic acid), which supports healthy red blood cell production.

People with bleeding disorders like hemophilia may need to be especially mindful about their vitamin K intake. Although vitamin K isn’t a treatment for hemophilia, it’s an important nutrient for people with clotting disorders.

How To Eat More Greens

Collard greens, turnip greens, spinach, and kale are some of the richest natural sources of vitamin K. Greens also provide plenty of fiber and other beneficial nutrients, like iron, calcium, and vitamin C.

You can enjoy fresh greens in a salad or wrap sandwich. Saute greens with spices as a side dish or add cooked greens to omelets. If you’re not a fan of the bitter taste of darker greens, romaine and iceberg lettuce are also healthy choices.

Instead of savory green dishes, change it up with a green smoothie. Blending frozen spinach with sweet fruits, like ripe bananas and pineapple, will boost your intake while satisfying your sweet tooth.

Foods To Avoid With Hemophilia

Healthy eating isn’t just about what you include. It’s also about limiting choices that can be harmful.

Kids with hemophilia are twice as likely to be overweight as their peers. This extra body weight adds strain on the joints and may increase the risk for bleeds and other health problems.

Unfortunately, many popular fast foods can make it harder to maintain a healthy weight. They provide calories without much nutrition.

These empty calories give your body plenty of energy to store as fat, but they don’t always fill you up or provide essential nutrients. As a result, high-fat fast foods may lead to excessive weight gain. They can also displace healthier foods that your body needs to function at its best.

How To Cut Back

It’s best to limit how often you visit fast-food restaurants. If you go, aim for more vegetables and fruits. Choose smaller portions of higher-fat or sugary foods, like kids’ sizes, and choose water over soda.

Also, opting for other convenience foods from home can go a long way toward improving the quality of your diet. This may include fresh fruit, low-fat cheese, or even a quick peanut butter sandwich on whole-grain bread.

Read more about ways to protect your joints with severe hemophilia.

Alcohol can present added risks for people with bleeding disorders. If you have severe hemophilia and struggle to manage your bleeding, excessive drinking may make matters worse.

Excessive drinking can increase your chances of getting injured and your bleeding risk. Alcohol may also interact with your medication and promote obesity and other chronic diseases.

Remember that moderation is key. If you’re having trouble stopping or reducing your drinking, talk to your healthcare provider for guidance and support.

Diet Is Part of a Healthy Lifestyle With Hemophilia

Even the best eating habits won’t cure hemophilia. Hemophilia is a complex condition. It requires vigilance with taking your preventive medicines (prophylactic clotting factor replacement) and readiness to respond to emergencies.

Managing hemophilia should also include an open dialogue with your hematologist about recent advances, such as gene therapy for hemophilia, that might be good options for you.

Benefits of a Healthy Diet

Eating a nutritious diet benefits your health and well-being, but any change is important to discuss with your doctor or pharmacist to learn about any potential food interactions.

Staying consistent with habits, such as how many servings of leafy green vegetables you eat daily, can help your doctor predict how your body will respond to certain treatments.

Use Caution With Supplements

Be aware that some popular supplements, such as garlic, vitamin E, and fish oil, may not be safe for some people with hemophilia.

That said, certain dietary supplements, such as iron or B vitamins, may be recommended by your doctor. Always discuss dietary supplements with your healthcare team first, especially if you’re planning to have surgery or dental work.

Join the Conversation

On MyHemophiliaTeam, people share their experiences with hemophilia, get advice, and find support from others who understand.

What are your tips for eating well with hemophilia? Let others know in the comments below.