Iron, Dietary Sources

Excerpts from: Dietary Sources of Iron

Iron is essential to all body cells. Iron deficiency anemia occurs when there is not enough iron in the red blood cells. This is a common problem often caused by pregnancy, blood loss or a diet low in iron.

There are a variety of possible symptoms of iron deficiency including lack of energy or tiredness, extreme fatigue, pale skin, light headedness, brittle nails and headaches. Because the typical symptoms of iron deficiency have many causes, diagnosis by a blood test is needed to confirm the presence of iron deficiency anemia.

Iron is a trace mineral, meaning it is required in very small amounts, so it easily obtained from a good diet containing meats and liver,

Availability of iron is partially determined by whether the iron is found in the form of heme or non-heme iron.

Heme iron is found only in meat, fish, dairy and poultry and it is absorbed much more easily than non-heme iron, which is found primarily in fruits, vegetables, dried beans, nuts, and grains.

Iron supplements are usually from non-heme sources, which are not recommended. Dessicated liver tablets are a good source of iron. The best way to correct anemia is recommended in the article Anemia Treatments.

Heme Iron Sources