Foods rich in iron for anemia are those of animal origin, such as red meat and chicken liver, and of vegetable origin, such as beans and pumpkin seeds. These foods improve blood hemoglobin levels, one of the components of red blood cells that is normally reduced in anemia.
To help cure anemia, it is also important to consume foods rich in vitamin C during meals, such as guava, acerola and lemon. This is because vitamin C improves the absorption of iron in the intestine. Discover other foods rich in vitamin C.
Although foods rich in iron are important during the treatment of anemia, they should not replace treatment recommended by your doctor, which may include the use of supplements and medications. See how anemia is treated.
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List of foods rich in iron
The following table shows the amount of iron present in each 100g of food:
Furthermore, some oilseeds, such as walnuts, cashews and Brazil nuts, also have good amounts of iron, helping to treat anemia.
Tips to combat anemia
To help combat anemia, you should consume foods rich in vitamin C during meals, such as pineapple, passion fruit and cashews. This is because vitamin C facilitates the bioavailability of iron from foods and supplements.
Furthermore, it is important to avoid excessive consumption of dairy products, such as milk and yogurt, especially at lunch and dinner, because this mineral inhibits the absorption of iron. See other tips to combat anemia.
Bibliography
- MINISTRY OF HEALTH – FEDERAL NUTRITION COUNCIL – UNICAMP – NEPA. Brazilian Food Composition Table. 2011. Available at: <https://www.cfn.org.br/wp-content/uploads/2017/03/taco_4_edicao_ampliada_e_revisada.pdf>. Accessed on 30 Dec 2022
- UNITED STATES DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE. Food Data Central. Available at: <https://fdc.nal.usda.gov/ndb/search/list>. Accessed on 30 Dec 2022
- STATPEARLS. Iron Deficiency Anemia. 2022. Available at: <https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK448065/>. Accessed on 30 Dec 2022