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Home » Diet » How to Add More Iron to Your Diet – Health Essentials from Cleveland Clinic

Are you getting enough iron daily? The chances are that most of us probably arent. Our bodies need iron to grow and develop. Iron can also help prevent anemia and protect your body from infection. If you havent been chowing down on iron-rich foods, were going to give you some easy ways to incorporate this nutritional powerhouse into your diet.

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Iron is a vital component of hemoglobin, which makes it an important mineral that our bodies need in order to carry oxygen so that our cells can produce energy, says registered dietitian Julia Zumpano, RD, LD. If we dont have enough iron, we will not have enough red blood cells to transport oxygen. This leads to extreme fatigue and lightheadedness, Zumpano adds.

Iron is also essential for brain development and growth, and the production of many other cells and hormones in the body.

Without adequate iron stores, individuals can develop a condition called iron-deficiency anemia the most common nutritional deficiency worldwide. Its associated with symptoms like fatigue, weakness, trouble maintaining body heat, pale skin, dizziness, headache, and an inflamed tongue, says Zumpano.

According to Zumpano, the daily recommended amount of iron for adults ages 19-50 is:

In general, women tend to need more iron to make up for what is lost during menstrual cycles. Women who are 51 and older should aim for 8 milligrams of iron daily.

For children, the recommended amount of iron can vary based on age.

While these are general guidelines, Zumpano recommends that you get a proper diagnosis and a personalized recommendation from your doctor.

The good news is that most people can get a sufficient amount of iron in their diets. Zumpano says this is mainly due to the consumption of animal products.

Most people can get the iron they need from the food they eat. This is in part due to the fact that the main source of iron in the typical American diet is from animal products. The average American eats significantly more than the daily allowance.

If you dont eat meat or animal products, Zumpano suggests that you eat more leafy greens, legumes (beans), whole grains, mushrooms and tofu, along with vitamin C-rich foods like citrus fruits, strawberries, tomatoes and red peppers. Eating a source of iron with a source of vitamin C will help your body absorb iron even better.

The key is that we should always get our iron from food unless our physician recommends otherwise. For some, a supplement may be necessary, but you shouldnt start taking one without discussing it with your physician first, says Zumpano.

There are two main types of iron heme and non-heme iron.

Zumpano explains.

Heme is better absorbed by the body and is commonly found in liver, meat, poultry and seafood.

Non-heme iron is commonly found in legumes (beans), nuts, seeds, and certain vegetables like spinach and potatoes.

You can also get iron through fortified sources such as tofu, grains, bread and cereal.

To get a better idea of how you can work more iron into your diet, here is a handy list of iron-rich foods.

Here are some helpful tips to remember from Zumpano:

If you follow a vegetarian or vegan diet, its important to consume vitamin-c rich foods with iron sources and consume them in greater quantities. Zumpano also suggests being cautious with calcium-rich foods in the process because they can decrease absorption.

You can incorporate iron-rich foods into breakfast, lunch, dinner and snacks. Here are some simple meal ideas to get you started.

Breakfast

Breakfast Fried Rice with Scrambled Eggs

This recipe calls for quite a few sources of iron cashews, eggs, sesame seeds and peas. You can even get creative and toss in more iron-rich veggies and a protein source for even more flavor.

Lunch

Zesty Bean Salad

Kidney beans are at the center of this hearty salad, but you can use a combo of your favorite beans if you want. Enjoy this dish as-is or serve it over spinach or mixed greens.

Dinner

Charcuterie Dinner Board

Dinner doesnt always have to be complicated. Throw some meats, dried fruits, veggies, cheese, nuts and more on a charcuterie board and dig in!

Snack

Toasted Quinoa and Almond Date Balls

This treat is delicious and naturally delicious. Its also made with fruits, seeds, nuts and grains that are wonderful sources of iron.

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How to Add More Iron to Your Diet - Health Essentials from Cleveland Clinic

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Home » Diet » How to Add More Iron to Your Diet – Health Essentials from Cleveland Clinic