best way to get enough iron???

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jenmac82005
jenmac82005 Posts: 31
in Food and Nutrition
Every day , I never get close to my recommended amount of iron, I have been trying to eat things that have iron in it, but its hard to find things that are low calorie, low fat that are high in iron. Should I take a supplement? I have heard that lack of iron in your diet can cause you to be tired, so I would like to see what a boost in iron would do for me.....help please!!

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  • FemininGuns
    FemininGuns Posts: 605 Member
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    Try eating liver twice a week :)
  • petchonka82
    petchonka82 Posts: 156
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    I take a multi-vitamin. I'm taking Womens One A Day now.
  • BakingGranny
    BakingGranny Posts: 112 Member
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    Multi-vitamin PLUS iron.
  • Ral263
    Ral263 Posts: 318 Member
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    I would NOT rec Liver actually-- there are lots of toxins in animal livers, not to mention that they are very fatty.
    Try to consume these foods with some kind of citrus--- it enhances the absorption.
    Try NOT to consume them with tea or coffee-- tanins block absorption.

    Oysters 3 ounces 13.2 mg
    Prune juice 1/2 cup 5.2
    Clams 2 ounces 4.2
    Walnuts 1/2 cup 3.75
    Chickpeas 1/2 cup 3.0
    Bran flakes 1/2 cup 2.8
    Cashew nuts 1/2 cup 2.65
    Shrimp 3 ounces 2.6
    Raisins 1/2 cup 2.55
    Sardines 3 ounces 2.5
    Spinach 1/2 cup 2.4
    Lima beans 1/2 cup 2.3
    Kidney beans 1/2 cup 2.2
    Turkey, dark meat 3 ounces 2.0
    Prunes 1/2 cup 1.9
    Roast beef 3 ounces 1.8
    Green peas 1/2 cup 1.5
    Peanuts 1/2 cup 1.5
    Potato 1 1.1
    Sweet potato 1/2 cup 1.0
    Green beans 1/2 cup 1.0
    Egg 1 1.0
  • RoyaDee
    RoyaDee Posts: 43
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    I take Euro-Fer iron supplements, I know where I live I don't need a prescription but you do need to ask the pharmacist for them specifically.
  • HelenTheKitchen
    HelenTheKitchen Posts: 383
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    Unless your doctor tells you to, DO NOT TAKE AN IRON SUPPLEMENT! You shouldn't even take a vitamin with iron unless told. I have suffered from anemia my whole life and I'm a nursing student, I know a lot on the subject. If your concerned about your iron levels ask your dr. to test them. If you want to incorporate more into your diet the best food are:

    * Red meat
    * Egg (especially the yolks)
    * Dark, leafy greens
    * Dried fruit
    * Whole grains
    * Beans, lentils, chick peas, edamame, artichokes
    * Liver
  • DrumlineGirl
    DrumlineGirl Posts: 178 Member
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    Also, cooking on an iron cast skillet adds iron to your food!
  • jenmac82005
    jenmac82005 Posts: 31
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    thanks you guys, especially Helen, that sounds like a good idea. I wont take anything unless Dr. orders!
  • jenmac82005
    jenmac82005 Posts: 31
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    I actually found a great cereal.....Multigrain Cheerios, they are 100% daily value of Iron! among other necessary vitamins!

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