Anemia Diet:

Iron Deficiency Anemia

Written by Gloria Tsang, RD last updated: November 2004

An anemia diet usually consists of an iron-rich diet along with iron supplements. Absorption of iron from food is influenced by multiple factors. One important factor being the form of the iron. Heme Iron, found in animal sources, is highly available for absorption. Non-heme iron on the other hand, found in vegetable sources, is less available. An anemia diet may include the following foods: 

	Excellent Sources		Good Sources
	Clams Pork Liver Oysters Chicken Liver Mussels Beef Liver		Beef Shrimp Sardines Turkey

Anemia Diet containing Non-Heme Iron

	Excellent Sources		Good Sources
	Enriched breakfast cereals Cooked beans and lentils Pumpkin seeds Blackstrap Molasses		Canned beans Baked potato with skin Enriched pasta Canned asparagus

The absorption of Non-heme iron can be improved when a source of heme iron is consumed in the same meal. In addition, the iron absorption- enhancing foods can also increase the absorption of non-heme iron. While some food items can enhance iron absorption, some can inhibit or interfere iron absorption. Avoid eating them with the iron-rich food items to maximize iron absorption.