Getting enough iron

jenminuchi

I am having a really difficult time getting enough iron in my diet, and I am trying to stay away from red meat. I would also rather not take an iron supplement if I can avoid it. Does anyone have any recommendations? I love spinach, and eat a good amount, but I am looking for other ideas. Thanks!

erickirb

I am having a really difficult time getting enough iron in my diet, and I am trying to stay away from red meat. I would also rather not take an iron supplement if I can avoid it. Does anyone have any recommendations? I love spinach, and eat a good amount, but I am looking for other ideas. Thanks!

use black-strap molasses as a sweeter, full of iron. I add it to oatmeal. Make sure it is not fancy molasses, it is stripped of many of its nutrients.

jenminuchi

Thank you!

jessimacar

spinach is not as high in iron as everyone thinks, and you absorb more of the iron if you eat something with vitamin c at the same time..

i find that i cannot, no matter what i eat, get enough iron. so i take a multivitamin. i get 100% of my iron, as well as the vitamin c to help absorb it. i find it doesnt have the same unpleasant side effects as a pure iron supplement.

hope that bit of info helps! Lol.

kittyb1

hi there... a few ideas...I'm just going to list them under headings..hope it helps
Heme Iron (which is the most available to our bodies ie: we absorb it the best)
Great Sources
Clams
Pork Liver
Oysters
Chicken Liver
Mussels
Beef Liver

Good Sources
Beef
Shrimp
Sardines
Turkey

Non-Heme Iron (veggie/grain options but not as easily absorbed by our bodies)
Great Sources
Enriched breakfast cereals/whole grain or Oatmeals
Cooked beans and lentils
Pumpkin seeds
Blackstrap Molasses

Good Sources
Broccoli
Baked potato with skin
Enriched pasta
asparagus

Also think about using foods that aid in non-heme iron absorption like citrus with your spinach.