Best foods for increasing iron levels
Iron is an essential mineral found in every cell of our body and is used in the production of red blood cells. Its important in the formation of haemoglobin which is the part of the red blood cell responsible for carrying oxygen from our lungs to our brain, tissue and muscles and enables the oxygen to move freely between cells. This is why one of the symptoms of an iron deficiency is fatigue as our organs struggle to receive the oxygen required to function optimally.
Our body is able to store about 25% of the iron we need, but we need to make that we are getting the rest though diet or supplement form. Including iron rich foods from the list below with every meal is the best way to prevent iron deficient anaemia.
- Spinach
- pumpkin seeds
- red meat
- shellfish
- liver
- legumes
- quinoa
- broccoli
- dark chocolate
- fortified cereals and breads
- spirulina
- turkey
- chicken
- lentils
- chickpeas
- black beans
- eggs
- kale
- raisins
- sardines
Always speak to your doctor before starting a new supplement.