What are some good dietary sources of iron?

Question

Hello doctor,

I always feel tired, despite eating good food. When I went to donate blood, they told me that my hemoglobin level was only sufficient, so I could not donate. I took a test, and my iron level was borderline. Despite this, I still feel tired all the time. I am unable to exercise continuously like before and have to split my workouts. I am not losing weight due to inflammation. I also have pain in my leg. How can I overcome this? Could it be iron deficiency?

Please advise.

Thank you.

Answer 1

Hello,

Welcome to icliniq.com.

I understand your concern.

Your body regularly gets iron from the foods you eat. If you consume too little iron, over time, your body can become iron deficient. Foods that block iron absorption include milk, cheese, yogurt, soy, tofu, chocolate, ice cream, grapes, popcorn, sardines, canned salmon, and pomegranate. Examples of iron-rich foods include:

Leafy green vegetables.
Iron-fortified foods.
Meat: beef, lamb, pork, and kangaroo.
Poultry: chicken, turkey, and eggs.
Seafood: salmon, sardines, and tuna.
Organ meats: liver and kidney.

Pairing these with vitamin C sources like citrus fruits or peppers can enhance iron absorption. Additionally, fluid intake is also very important.

I hope you find this advice helpful. Please let me know if you need further assistance.

Thank you.