We are pleased to announce that on March 4, 2025, an updated Rich Text Editor will be introduced in the MyFitnessPal Community. To learn more about the upcoming changes, please click here. We look forward to sharing this new feature with you!

Need more Iron

VeggieGirlAri
VeggieGirlAri Posts: 6 Member
edited January 15 in Food and Nutrition
I'm always super low on my iron level and would like to fix that. Any iron-rich food ideas that are vegetarian friendly?

Replies

  • tomatini
    tomatini Posts: 61 Member
    Split peas, lentils and barley are awesome for iron! I frequently use those ingredients in soups and stews. Sundried tomatoes also tend to be high in iron, so if you prefer eating salads and stuff like that try adding a few. Here are a couple webpages with lists of iron-rich vegetarian foods:

    http://www.vrg.org/nutrition/iron.php

    http://www.healthaliciousness.com/articles/fruits-and-vegetables-high-in-iron.php
  • Tetonia
    Tetonia Posts: 79 Member
    Floradix
  • cloveraz
    cloveraz Posts: 332 Member
    I have to take a high potency Iron supplement with vitamin C, just to get by!
  • sblake204
    sblake204 Posts: 458 Member
    Most dark green leafy vegetables are high in iron
    Beets
    Molasses
  • littlebudgie
    littlebudgie Posts: 279 Member
    Keep in mind that vitamin C will help you absorb iron better, so dishes that combine sources of vitamin C and iron are a good idea. If you like chickpeas, try a salad like this: http://www.tastebites.net/chickpea-salad/
  • AmazonRDH
    AmazonRDH Posts: 203 Member
    ok TRUST me on this one. i used to be so anemic i had to get bags of iron every 6 mos to a year by I.V. .......... then i started taking Pur-Absorb liquid iron and after about a month, my iron was perfect and has been ever since. i take one packet a day, you have to mix it with water and one packet of Emergen-C (helps you absorb it AND it hides the taste of the iron). I take a swig out of a bottle of cold water to make a little room in it, then I add one packet of Pur-Absorb iron and one packet of Emergen-C into the water, shake it up and drink it. I have it every morning with my bfast and then I can forget about it, and I haven't needed to get an iron IV for the past two years. It's amazing. Everyone I tell about it has fabulous success............... you can buy it at CVS, and if you "like" their facebook page they used to give you a coupon, or i think at their website too. It's 19.99 a box for 28 packets, sometimes it goes on sale, and in every box there's a pamphlet with a $2 off coupon for the next purchase. OR you can be like me and order 3 boxes at a time from Amazon at a better price. I think some Walgreen's stores carry it now too. TRY IT your iron will be great in a month. :drinker:
  • ninas12345
    ninas12345 Posts: 7 Member
    Cream of Wheat 50% iron / 120 cal / 3 tbsp
    Spinach 4.5% iron / 7 cal / 1 cup
    Oats - 10% iron / 150 cal / 1/2 cup dry
    Sugar Snap peas 10% iron / 35 cal / 1 cup
    Quinoa


    Cream of Wheat is vegan :) and can be mixed with anything.

    I also take a iron supplement several times a month. I'm very interested now into looking into the Pur-Absorb :)
  • cloveraz
    cloveraz Posts: 332 Member
    Cream of Wheat 50% iron / 120 cal / 3 tbsp
    Spinach 4.5% iron / 7 cal / 1 cup
    Oats - 10% iron / 150 cal / 1/2 cup dry
    Sugar Snap peas 10% iron / 35 cal / 1 cup
    Quinoa


    Cream of Wheat is vegan :) and can be mixed with anything.

    I also take a iron supplement several times a month. I'm very interested now into looking into the Pur-Absorb :)


    Vitron C is what I take...I haven't had the usual stomach issues, that I have, while taking Iron alone. Maybe, every two weeks, I'll add some fiber to my water, but that is it. I was beyond dizzy there for awhile, along with headaches and blurred vision, and the Vitron C has truly, I believe, helped....
  • liz827
    liz827 Posts: 193 Member
    I use my cast iron stove top grill. My kid needed to take some iron drops and it wasn't working for her, it was NASTY... added to anything. I started using the grill more and when we went back for tests her levels were fine. You can't track it, but it works.
  • thevegankelly
    thevegankelly Posts: 85 Member
    I've been vegan for a long time and never had a problem with iron, even when pregnant. My diary shows I get a lot of iron every day. Here are some great sources: leafy greens, whole grains, nuts and seeds (especially tahini and pumpkin seeds), dark chocolate, oatmeal, quinoa, tofu, veggie meats, hemp, dried fruits, beans, and Vega One nutritional shakes. Eat a good source of vitamin C with most of those and you'll be good.
  • Besides the things already mentioned you should also watch your coffee (and black tea) intake as they can hinder the iron absorption. This was basically my downfall last year, lol. :(
  • tomatini
    tomatini Posts: 61 Member
    cake
    Yes, cake has all the nutrients you need for a balanced diet. :D
This discussion has been closed.