Need tips on increasing my iron intake

Torani · January 2012

My blood test showed last week that I am borderline anemic, and the doc suggested that I increase my iron intake with red meat and leafy greens. Well, we don't eat a whole lot of red meat and I am really bad at remembering to include veggies in my diet. In fact, the only veggie I really like that would qualify is broccoli, and I'm going to get sick of that really quick. Any ideas on other foods with a high iron content that I could work into my diet? TIA!

MarnieMS · January 2012

I take slow release iron supplements. I don't eat red meat at all. I also drink Green Goodness shakes, or eat spinach. But I dont like a lot of high iron foods.

HopingForOne · January 2012

I have issues with iron...I need to take extra iron pills, as my body doesn't seem to absorb it very well.

I will say that some cereals contain a large percentage of your daily iron requirement, so take a look at some the next time you go shopping. Also, egg yolks are good for iron. Steel coat oatmeal is as well, I believe.

And keep taking your prenatal vitamins, of course, because they contain iron also.

MarnieMS · January 2012

I also take a high dose of vit c with my iron pills to aide in absorption and help me to not get sick from them. Helps most of the time.

JennaAmalie18 · January 2012

Cream of Wheat is high in iron.

liberty95 · January 2012

Ditto to the iron fortified cereals, an easy way to get a complete days worth of iron...check check your labels. Brands like Total have 100% of your requirement and many others have a large amount.

Fyi, calcium can impede iron absorption but I have read studies that show no ill effects from adding milk to iron fortified cereals.

gr8fulaa · January 2012

In addition, coffee and tea block iron absorption, so try not to drink coffee when you eat those iron rich cereals and take your prenatals. I am in the same boat, I've been eating my Multi-Grain Cheerios (100% rdv) waiting two hours to drink any coffee, then taking my prenatal (150% rdv) with a glass of OJ for the vitamin C two hours after that. Beans and nuts also have iron!

kris_kelsey · January 2012

FYI, dairy/milk block the absorption of iron. So if you are consuming iron 2 hours before or after eating dairy then you will keep your body from absorbing it. So, cold cereals or hot cereals with milk are no benefit to you.

lovesnack · January 2012

I take "slow FE" daily.

LadyQad27 · January 2012

I am also anemic, I take iron pills with my lunch to avoid my body not absorbing the supplement. I take my prenatale vitamins in the morning with breakfast. I try to eat alot of eggs, spinch, greens (collard or mustards), an broc. I try to eat peanut butter or roasted peanuts. But I am really not a meat eater so I try to eat alot of green veggies. I love salads, but the health class I attend told me to eat beets or liver, an I can not stomach either one.

suprchels · January 2012

I was pretty excited to find out that dried fruits (apricots, raisins) and dark chocolate have decent iron contents! Between my meat aversion and not being able to keep down anything with milk (rules out cereal!), these are my new go-to snacks.

GAPeach68 · January 2012

Multigrain Cheerios are good and as pp said, provide 100% RDA of iron. Measure 1 cup and take them with you in a baggie for a snck during the day.

LadyQad27 · January 2012

suprchels:
I was pretty excited to find out that dried fruits (apricots, raisins) and dark chocolate have decent iron contents! Between my meat aversion and not being able to keep down anything with milk (rules out cereal!), these are my new go-to snacks.

Yes, I love everything but the dark chocolate. Raisins are my go to snack I keep some in my purse.

abradley215 · January 2012

I found out last week that I'm extremely low in iron...so I'm right there with you! Lentils are a good source of iron! So are beans and oats. I know you said you're not good with veggies, but spinach is so high in iron! Sneak it into quesadillas, eggs, or stir frys.

LadyQad27 · January 2012

abradley215:

I found out last week that I'm extremely low in iron...so I'm right there with you! Lentils are a good source of iron! So are beans and oats. I know you said you're not good with veggies, but spinach is so high in iron! Sneak it into quesadillas, eggs, or stir frys.

I eat alot of spinach, I sub it for lettus in my salads an on my burgers or sandwiches. I also like to eat Lentil burgers they are the best.

Lasimone · January 2012

Marnie!!!!! I see you.. LOL we are still PREGGERS!!!!! OMGGGGG

libsanto · January 2012

Blackstrap molasses. Lots of iron and yummy.

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