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Understanding anemia
Understanding iron deficiency anemia
About iron
Why women have a higher risk factor
Foods Rich in iron
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About Iron

Foods Rich in Iron

You Are What You Eat

Your body obtains iron from certain foods. You’ll find some good sources of iron listed in the chart below. It’s important to keep in mind, though, that the iron in foods that come from animals tends to be more easily absorbed by the body.

Beware of Foods That Block Iron Absorption

When women are pregnant, they need about twice as much iron. Some foods make it difficult for your body to absorb iron. These include coffee, tea, egg yolks, milk, fiber, and soy protein. Try to avoid eating these foods at the same time you are eating iron-rich foods.

A Selection of Iron-Rich Foods

Food Milligrams
per serving
Chicken liver, cooked, 3½ ounces 12.8
Oysters, breaded and fried, 6 pieces 4.5
Beef, chuck, lean only, braised, 3 ounces 3.2
Clams, breaded, fried, ¾ cup 3.0
Turkey, dark meat, roasted, 3½ ounces 2.3
Tuna, fresh bluefin, cooked, dry heat, 3 ounces 1.1
Chicken, breast, roasted, 3 ounces 1.1
Halibut, cooked, dry heat, 3 ounces 0.9
Pork, loin, broiled, 3 ounces 0.8
Shrimp, mixed species, cooked, moist heat, 4 large 0.7
Ready-to-eat cereal, 100% iron fortified, ¾ cup 18.0
Oatmeal, instant, fortified, prepared with water, 1 cup 10.0
Soybeans, mature, boiled, 1 cup 8.8
Lentils, boiled, 1 cup 6.6
Beans, kidney, mature, boiled, 1 cup 5.2
Beans, black, mature, boiled, 1 cup 3.6
Tofu, raw, firm, ½ cup 3.4
Spinach, boiled, drained, ½ cup 3.2
Black-eyed peas (cowpeas), boiled, 1 cup 1.8
Grits, white, enriched, quick, prepared with water, 1 cup 1.5
Raisins, seedless, packed, ½ cup 1.5
White bread, enriched, 1 slice 0.9