Iron rich foods?

darsh11
darsh11 Posts: 98
edited October 16 in Food and Nutrition
I recently found out that I am anemic. The doctor has put me on a super dose of Iron and Vitamin B12 to help absorb the iron into my system. She wants me to eat iron rich food. I know that Iron rich foods are green leafy vegetables like spinach and kale. I also know that red meat contains Iron. I do not eat any red meat so I am looking for any other foods that are rich in Iron.
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Replies

  • chell53
    chell53 Posts: 352 Member
    Of course the best food is Spinach.......as for meat chicken, turkey and fish are good as well. I am going through this with my sister who just found out this past weekend she is also anemic...........now liver is also good for you, but most people can't get past the smell or taste and you can also eat beans and legumes.............hope this helps.

    Good luck to you............
  • Nbentz214
    Nbentz214 Posts: 39 Member
    I suggest you also make sure you have plenty of vitamin C, it also helps the body absorbs the iron. My body doesnt retain the iron for very long, almost as if my body doesnt like the iron. I take meds and infusions on a regular basis for my iron. Like the above poster said, spinach and any meats and beans are good ways to get the iron. I may be wrong, but I believe that spinach gives you the most nutrients in raw form, not cooked.
  • ItsCasey
    ItsCasey Posts: 4,021 Member
    I eat Total whole grain wheat flakes. One serving (3/4 cup) has 100% of your recommended daily iron intake.
  • I've been anemic in the past, so I added iron to the things to track in MFP. Asparagus season is short, but it also has a lot of iron.
    Many grains, pasta and cereals are enriched with iron. Check the label. Spinach is my favorite.
  • RillSoji
    RillSoji Posts: 376 Member
    I recently found out that I am anemic. The doctor has put me on a super dose of Iron and Vitamin B12 to help absorb the iron into my system. She wants me to eat iron rich food. I know that Iron rich foods are green leafy vegetables like spinach and kale. I also know that red meat contains Iron. I do not eat any red meat so I am looking for any other foods that are rich in Iron.

    I was anemic since I was a teenager up until the last January (15 years). I finally stopped being anemic when I started eating right. I didn't take any pills or supplements. I just ate whole foods and tried my best to get my ratios right. One of the things I learned about iron (and most other vitamins/nutrients too) is that they need help to be absorbed and used by your body. Taking an iron supplement isn't going to help you very much. You need a kaleidoscope of vitamins and nutrients that all support and help each other. It's best to get that through eating whole foods because they contain everything you need! In other words...Your body will retain and use more iron from a salad than a pill. I completely agree with your doc suggesting you eat iron rich foods. I think that will do you the most good.

    These charts helped me a lot when I was first learning about what foods contain which vitamins.
    http://www.healthalternatives2000.com/fruit-nutrition-chart.html
    http://www.healthalternatives2000.com/vegetables-nutrition-chart.html
    http://www.healthalternatives2000.com/nut-seed-nutrition-chart.html
    http://www.healthalternatives2000.com/legumes-nutrition-chart.html
    http://www.healthalternatives2000.com/meat-protein-nutrition-chart.html
    http://www.healthalternatives2000.com/vitamins-nutrition-chart.html
    http://www.healthalternatives2000.com/minerals-nutrition-chart.html
  • CottonCandyKisses
    CottonCandyKisses Posts: 246 Member
    I eat Total whole grain wheat flakes. One serving (3/4 cup) has 100% of your recommended daily iron intake.

    Cereal is a great source--I eat frosted mini wheats for iron--my body does NOT like the supplements!
  • torie079
    torie079 Posts: 179 Member
    I have this problem as well...and can't seem to get my blood out up:( I know that when I was pregnant I was very anemic and the docs told me to eat TOTAL cereal... It's very high in iron.. I like the cinnamon crunch one.
  • sapalee
    sapalee Posts: 409 Member
    Dark chocolate has a decent amount. Another + in that corner.
  • kalynn06
    kalynn06 Posts: 368 Member
    Broccoli- high in iron and vitamin C so win, win.
  • bluebird321
    bluebird321 Posts: 733 Member
    Meat and Kale is my choice. Kale is very high in nutrients and Iron.
  • i have almost half of my life problem with iron deficiency anemia, but after pills supplements i tried to work with organic foods, i tried with iron rich diets, and here i find some good recipes that i use today too: http://www.irondeficiencyguide.com/iron-rich-diet
  • willpower5
    willpower5 Posts: 2 Member
    Try Black Strap Molassas, 2 tsp has 13 % of your daily iron requirement

    Nutrients in Blackstrap Molasses
    2.00 tsp (13.67 grams)
    Nutrient % Daily Value
    manganese18%
    copper14%
    iron13.2%
    calcium11.7%
    potassium9.7%
    magnesium7.3%
    vitamin B65%
    selenium3.4%
    Calories (32)1%
  • ChasingSweatandTears
    ChasingSweatandTears Posts: 504 Member
    Edamame(soybeans) I snack on roasted ones, Chickpeas(Garbanzo Beans), Quinoa, Avocados, Tuna, Ground Turkey
    And agreed on vitamin C. Consuming vitamin C with iron rich foods helps your body absorb the iron and fortunately tomatos and citrus go very well with a lot of foods! Also.... sounds wierd but cooking in an iron skillet actually can increase iron content in your food. Not to mention iron skillets are naturally non stick once they've been worn in. LOVE my iron skillet.
  • megacy
    megacy Posts: 80 Member
    The fortified cereal is a great way to go since you don't eat red meat. Total has 100%. For something a bit cheaper, I found the Safeway brand called Multi Grain O's also has 100%, Wheat Chex has 80%. Like the others say, be sure to eat/drink vitamin C with these, it helps your body absorb the iron. And don't drink coffee with iron rich foods, it inhibits the body from absorbing the iron.
  • megacy
    megacy Posts: 80 Member
    Also.... sounds wierd but cooking in an iron skillet actually can increase iron content in your food. Not to mention iron skillets are naturally non stick once they've been worn in. LOVE my iron skillet.
    I was just going to edit to add cooking in iron skillets! Not weird at all, it really helps.
  • LindaLouLu
    LindaLouLu Posts: 271 Member
    bump for reference
  • cheesy_blasters
    cheesy_blasters Posts: 283 Member
    Agreed with the Vit. C thing.

    I did the Iron supplement too and it really helped me when I was severely anemic (lazy vegan). I tend to eat a lot of spinach and kale since it's the easiest way for me to get it. Legumes are another good way to get it.


    http://www.ferralet.com/Patient_Information/About_Iron/Dietary/Foods/Legumes.aspx
  • fittocycle
    fittocycle Posts: 827 Member
    Yep, I agree with adding in vitamin C to help the iron absorption. If you can eat an iron rich food with one high in vitamin C. You could have a salad with baby spinach and add in some strawberries or mandarin oranges. Try to avoid taking a calcium supplement with iron. And if you drink soft drinks, it's probably a good idea to give them up. They tend to leech the iron from your body as well. Good luck to you. Having low iron can really make you tired!
  • SamandaIndia
    SamandaIndia Posts: 1,577 Member
    Without using supplements or fortified foods can someone please share an example day with enough iron from their food. Context is: given the theory, today I went on a mission to eat enough iron. Whole grain cereal, sunflower seeds, nuts, beef, chick peas, beans, egg, broccoli, soya and I have only reached 60% of RDA. I will buy some spinach and kale but I draw the line at mussels and liver. Love to know examples of a balance where people get sufficient iron. Thanks!
  • TeaBea
    TeaBea Posts: 14,517 Member
    edited September 2015
    I eat Total whole grain wheat flakes. One serving (3/4 cup) has 100% of your recommended daily iron intake.

    Cereal is a great source--I eat frosted mini wheats for iron--my body does NOT like the supplements!

    This^

    I sprinkle Grapenuts on my yogurt and berries....although the calcium doesn't help much with absorption, the vitamin C does. Hopefully these cancel each other out.

    OP - iron pills = constipation. Dr. had me on the smallest dose & still had issues.
  • TeaBea
    TeaBea Posts: 14,517 Member
    Without using supplements or fortified foods can someone please share an example day with enough iron from their food. Context is: given the theory, today I went on a mission to eat enough iron. Whole grain cereal, sunflower seeds, nuts, beef, chick peas, beans, egg, broccoli, soya and I have only reached 60% of RDA. I will buy some spinach and kale but I draw the line at mussels and liver. Love to know examples of a balance where people get sufficient iron. Thanks!

    If you went by MFP stats....some values are missing. When people add to the database, they have a tendency to skip over some things.
  • andrikosDE
    andrikosDE Posts: 383 Member
    Offal is your best friend.
    Tons of minerals, lots of good protein and cheap.

    Just learn how to cook them well.
  • snowflakesav
    snowflakesav Posts: 649 Member
    Frosted mini wheats.
    Cream of wheat instant cereal.
  • SamandaIndia
    SamandaIndia Posts: 1,577 Member
    TeaBea wrote: »

    If you went by MFP stats....some values are missing. When people add to the database, they have a tendency to skip over some things.

    Thanks for your message!I will double check the iron quoted on each food. Certainly hit my protein levels today!! I hear you regarding the iron tablets. Not good.

    AndrikosDE I have trouble with the concept of offal, but curious, how do you cook it well?

    Cereals are sounding like at least part of the solution.
  • Kalikel
    Kalikel Posts: 9,603 Member
    edited September 2015
    The veggies have a lot of iron, but since our bodies cannot use it, those veggies are less helpful than they appear. Spinach really is not a good source for iron. Red meat is an excellent source of iron, as are some breakfast cereals. Meats, poultry, fish and, to a lesser extent, grains and legumes are good sources of iron. Liver, especially, is great for iron. Clams have a ton. Check labels for the word "enriched" if you buy bread in the store.

    Tofu has some. :)

    Get your Vitmain C with your iron. :)

    Cooking in cast iron is a really good way to increase your iron. Cast iron is also just wonderful cookware. :)
  • _Terrapin_
    _Terrapin_ Posts: 4,301 Member
    Without using supplements or fortified foods can someone please share an example day with enough iron from their food. Context is: given the theory, today I went on a mission to eat enough iron. Whole grain cereal, sunflower seeds, nuts, beef, chick peas, beans, egg, broccoli, soya and I have only reached 60% of RDA. I will buy some spinach and kale but I draw the line at mussels and liver. Love to know examples of a balance where people get sufficient iron. Thanks!
    Well, dinner last night had collard greens and black beans in there. How much iron content....not sure. How are you measuring your iron intake? 60% is based on what? I google searched iron rich foods and it seems relatively simple to get the RDA amount since there a lot of options from beans, meats whether poultry or beef, vegetables, etc.
  • andrikosDE
    andrikosDE Posts: 383 Member
    TeaBea wrote: »

    If you went by MFP stats....some values are missing. When people add to the database, they have a tendency to skip over some things.


    AndrikosDE I have trouble with the concept of offal, but curious, how do you cook it well?

    Many people have trouble with the concept, however, once you get past the "negative connotations" with this lowly offering, you'll realize there are tons of culinary opportunities at your disposal.

    Choose offal from young animals and don't overcook it.
    Hearts and gizzards are almost pure muscle, liver and kidneys have 60% protein calories (as much as sirloin steak) and far higher protein quality (better aminoacid balance).

    Here's a nice liver and onions recipe:

    http://allrecipes.com/recipe/58942/absolute-best-liver-and-onions/

    I make livers with beaten eggs kind of like a liver omelette. It's really tasty and very filling.
  • andrikosDE
    andrikosDE Posts: 383 Member
    I second the cast iron skillet recommendation. No serious kitchen should be without it.
  • auddii
    auddii Posts: 15,357 Member
    I'm shocked that no one actually said "cheerios" yet...

    Seriously though, you've gotten some great suggestions.
  • WinoGelato
    WinoGelato Posts: 13,454 Member
    auddii wrote: »
    I'm shocked that no one actually said "cheerios" yet...

    Seriously though, you've gotten some great suggestions.

    I was gonna, but this seems like a legit inquiry and some really helpful suggestions...
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