Every year on April 17, the world comes together to raise awareness for a rare yet deeply impactful condition: Hemophilia. As an inherited blood clotting disorder, hemophilia is a condition that can be managed with proper treatment and lifestyle choices, but if left untreated, it can become life-threatening. This special day is a vital opportunity to give voice to those living with hemophilia, inform the public, and raise awareness among healthcare professionals.
What is hemophilia?
Hemophilia is characterized by the absence or dysfunction of clotting factors in the blood. The two most common types are Hemophilia A (Factor VIII deficiency) and Hemophilia B (Factor IX deficiency). In affected individuals, bleeding after an injury can last longer than normal, recurrent fluid accumulation in the joints may occur, and in serious cases, internal organ damage can develop.
Today, approximately 400,000 people worldwide live with hemophilia. However, many individuals remain undiagnosed. This condition, primarily affecting males, is passed down through carrier mothers. In newborns, unexplained bruising, oozing from the umbilical cord, and excessive bleeding may be the first warning signs.
Reshaping life
Thanks to advances in treatment, living with hemophilia is far more manageable today than in the past. Factor replacement therapies, regular monitoring, and appropriate lifestyle adjustments significantly reduce the risk of complications. But this is possible not only through medical interventions—it requires a holistic approach.
The power of nutrition
This is where the field of Nutrition and Dietetics comes in. For individuals with hemophilia, maintaining a healthy body weight is critical to reduce pressure on the joints. Additionally, adequate intake of protein, vitamins C and D, calcium, and iron is essential to support connective tissue and accelerate healing. Food supplements, certain herbal products, or alcohol consumption may negatively affect blood clotting, and therefore, should always be evaluated under professional supervision.
Departments of Nutrition and Dietetics play an essential role in not only addressing the nutritional needs of these individuals but also supporting their psychological and social well-being—becoming integral partners in the treatment process.
Today, let your voice be heard too.
Creating awareness about hemophilia—a condition with low visibility but high impact—is a shared responsibility.
