Iron is a nutrient needed for many functions of the body, such as making haemoglobin in red blood cells, which transports oxygen from the lungs throughout the body. While it can store iron, your body can't make it. The only way to get iron is from food. Show
Iron-rich foodsThere are 2 types of iron in food: haem and non-haem. Haem iron, found in meat, poultry and seafood, is absorbed more effectively than non-haem iron, which is found in eggs and plant foods. Animal-based sources of ironTop animal-based sources of iron include:
Plant-based sources of ironPlant foods containing non-haem iron can still provide an adequate amount of iron for the body. Good sources include:
How much iron do I need?Your recommended daily intake (RDI) of iron depends on your age and sex:
Women need more iron to replace the amount lost in blood during menstruation. Until menopause, women need about twice as much iron as men. Iron deficiency occurs when the iron levels are too low, which can lead to anaemia. If you are worried you have an iron deficiency, your doctor may order some blood tests and may suggest iron supplements. You should always speak to your doctor before you take iron supplements as you could poison yourself if you take too much. How to improve iron absorption from foodHow you prepare food, and which foods you eat together, can affect how much iron your body absorbs. For example, foods rich in vitamin C such as citrus fruits, tomatoes, berries, kiwi fruit, melons, green leafy vegetables and capsicum can help you absorb more iron if you eat them at the same time as iron-rich foods. Add them raw to your plate, drink unsweetened orange juice with your meal, or take a vitamin C supplement. Coffee, tea and red wine (both alcoholic and non-alcoholic), on the other hand, can reduce iron absorption. Calcium-rich foods, calcium supplements and some soybean-based foods can also inhibit iron absorption. It’s better to have coffee, tea, red wine and dairy foods in between meals. Can you have too much iron?In healthy people, the body regulates how much iron it absorbs from food and supplements — so it’s difficult to have ‘too much’ iron in your diet. However, some people have a genetic condition called haemochromatosis, which causes the body to absorb excess iron. The normal level of iron in the body is 3 to 4 grams, but in people with haemochromatosis it can be more than 20g. About 1 person in every 300 has haemochromatosis, and it’s usually picked up through screening people who have a close relative with the condition. Talk to your doctor if you have any concerns about your iron levels. Your Care InstructionsIron deficiency anemia means that you don't have enough iron in your blood. You need even more iron when you are pregnant. Without enough iron, you may feel weak and sick. Your skin may look pale. Low iron can cause problems when you give birth. And your risk for problems after you have the baby may rise. Severe anemia is rare. But if you get it, you may be more likely to have your baby early (preterm birth). Or your baby may have a low birth weight. The food you eat may not give you as much iron as you need. Iron pills can help. Your doctor or midwife may advise you to take them. Follow-up care is a key part of your treatment and safety. Be sure to make and go to all appointments, and call your doctor or nurse advice line (811 in most provinces and territories) if you are having problems. It's also a good idea to know your test results and keep a list of the medicines you take. How can you care for yourself at home?
When should you call for help?Call your doctor, midwife, or nurse advice line now or seek immediate medical care if:
Watch closely for changes in your health, and be sure to contact your doctor, midwife, or nurse advice line if:
Where can you learn more?Go to https://www.healthwise.net/patientEd Enter W621 in the search box to learn more about "Iron Deficiency Anemia During Pregnancy: Care Instructions". What foods will you teach the patient are high in iron?These foods include:. All meats, such as chicken, beef, lamb, pork, and fish. Liver is especially high in iron.. Raisins, peas, beans, lentils, barley, and eggs.. Iron-fortified breakfast cereals.. Which of the following foods is the best source of iron quizlet?The best sources of dietary iron are red meat, liver and other organ meats, blackstrap molasses, and oysters. Other good sources of iron are kidney beans, whole-wheat bread, egg yolk, spinach, kale, turnip tops, beet greens, carrots, raisins, and apricots.
Which food would the nurse recommend for a client with iron deficiency anemia?Eat iron-rich foods such as meat, chicken, fish, eggs, dried beans and fortified grains. The form of iron in meat products, called heme, is more easily absorbed than the iron in vegetables.
Which food should the nurse recommend for a child with iron deficiency anemia?Dark green leafy vegetables are rich in iron while oranges are a good source of vitamin C, which enhances iron absorption. Option A: Nuts and fish are rich in protein. Option B: Butter and margarine are cholesterol-rich food. Option C: Sugar and candy may not help with the client's iron deficiency anemia.
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