Why foods have iron

But as the body becomes more deficient in iron and anemia worsens, the signs and symptoms intensify. If you or your child develops signs and symptoms that suggest iron deficiency anemia, see your doctor. Iron deficiency anemia isn't something to self-diagnose or treat.

So see your doctor for a diagnosis rather than taking iron supplements on your own. Overloading the body with iron can be dangerous because excess iron accumulation can damage your liver and cause other complications. Iron deficiency anemia occurs when your body doesn't have enough iron to produce hemoglobin.

Hemoglobin is the part of red blood cells that gives blood its red color and enables the red blood cells to carry oxygenated blood throughout your body. If you aren't consuming enough iron, or if you're losing too much iron, your body can't produce enough hemoglobin, and iron deficiency anemia will eventually develop. Mild iron deficiency anemia usually doesn't cause complications. However, left untreated, iron deficiency anemia can become severe and lead to health problems, including the following:.

Your body absorbs more iron from meat than it does from other sources. If you choose to not eat meat, you may need to increase your intake of iron-rich, plant-based foods to absorb the same amount of iron as does someone who eats meat.

You can enhance your body's absorption of iron by drinking citrus juice or eating other foods rich in vitamin C at the same time that you eat high-iron foods.

Vitamin C in citrus juices, like orange juice, helps your body to better absorb dietary iron. To prevent iron deficiency anemia in infants, feed your baby breast milk or iron-fortified formula for the first year. Cow's milk isn't a good source of iron for babies and isn't recommended for infants under 1 year.

After age 6 months, start feeding your baby iron-fortified cereals or pureed meats at least twice a day to boost iron intake. After one year, be sure children don't drink more than 20 ounces milliliters of milk a day. Too much milk often takes the place of other foods, including those that are rich in iron.

Charcuterie Dinner Board. Throw some meats, dried fruits, veggies, cheese, nuts and more on a charcuterie board and dig in! Toasted Quinoa and Almond Date Balls. This treat is delicious and naturally delicious.

Find out what your body needs and the best sources for it from a registered dietitian. Learn more about vaccine availability. Advertising Policy. You have successfully subscribed to our newsletter.

Related Articles. Cutting Carbs? Going Vegan The 6 Best Seeds to Eat. Is Red Meat Bad for You? Trending Topics. Most people should be able to get all the iron they need by eating a varied and balanced diet.

If you take iron supplements, do not take too much as this could be harmful. Taking 17mg or less a day of iron supplements is unlikely to cause any harm. But continue taking a higher dose if advised to by a GP. Page last reviewed: 03 August Next review due: 03 August