Guest guest Posted July 15, 2009 Report Share Posted July 15, 2009 Here is a listing of plant based iron sources: http://www.soystache.com/iron Be sure to always have a vitamin C source with your iron; the C increases the absorbtion ________________________________ Amelia Golden <agolden vegie parents Wednesday, July 15, 2009 1:56:13 PM Absorbable Iron I'm hoping to get some advice from you all. I've been recently told that I'm anemic. I've been vegan since 1994 (veggie since 1990) and have had my iron tested regularly and have never had a problem before. I really don't think it is diet related. Rather, I think it is because I lost a considerable amount of blood when I gave birth a couple of years ago and my hemoglobin was pitifully low for a long time after. I'd like to focus on getting as much iron as possible from foods rather than supplements. From my research, I've learned that " they " say that heme iron (iron from animal sources) is a lot more readily absorbed than non-heme iron (iron from other sources). I'm looking for advice on vegan sources for iron. To be honest, I have been feeling awfully run down lately and think this might be the cause (other than I am a full-time working single mother of toddler twin boys) and I'd like to boost my iron for that reason alone. Thanks in advance for any advice you may be able to give. Amelia Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted July 15, 2009 Report Share Posted July 15, 2009 I have also had this issue for years and I almost got to the point that I had to get a transfusion. I have been having to take iron tablets for years to keep my iron level stable. I had no problems till I was pregnant with my son and got anemic while I was pregnant with him. I have to look up what types of things to eat that cover the iron spectrum and boost my iron levels. Check into that and put as much of those foods into your diet especially if you don't want to have to take iron tablets or shots. There is a type of anemia that just happens with people where they systems just can't keep up the iron levels in there bodies and they have to keep replenishing it. I think that is what my issue is. I have been trying to eat vegan/veggie for the past 2 years and my iron level goes up and down. here is a list of things high in iron content: Plant Foods High in Iron Content Some plant foods are naturally high in iron content. Food Portion Mg. Fat g Pumpkin Seeds 2 tablespoons 8.6 26.0 Tofu, Firm 3 ounces 8.5 7.1 Blackstrap Molasses 2 tablespoons 6.4 0.0 Tofu, Regular 3 ounces 6.2 5.5 Pine Nuts, Pignolia 2 tablespoons 5.2 28.8 Soybeans 1/2 cup cooked 4.4 7.7 Pistachio Nuts 2 tablespoons 3.8 27.4 Sunflower Seeds 2 tablespoons 3.8 28.2 Winged Beans 1/2 cup cooked 3.7 0.4 Cashews 2 tablespoons 3.4 26.4 Lentils 1/2 cup cooked 3.3 0.4 Potato Baked, with skin 2.8 0.2 Kidney Beans 1/2 cup cooked 2.6 0.4 Adzuki Beans 1/2 cup cooked 2.3 0.1 Navy Beans 1/2 cup cooked 2.3 0.5 Pinto Beans 1/2 cup cooked 2.2 0.4 Black-Eyed Pea 1/2 cup cooked 2.2 0.5 Almonds 2 tablespoons 2.0 29.6 Brazil Nuts 2 tablespoons 2.0 37.6 Tempeh 4 ounces 1.9 6.4 Great Northern Beans 1/2 cup cooked 1.9 0.4 Pine Nuts, Pinon 2 tablespoons 1.8 34.6 Black Beans 1/2 cup cooked 1.8 0.5 Apricots 10, dried 1.7 0.4 Chickpeas 1/2 cup cooked 1.6 0.1 Raisins 1/2 cup 1.5 0.3 Mung Beans 1/2 cup cooked 1.4 0.4 Figs 3. dried 1.3 0 , Amelia Golden <agolden wrote: > > I'm hoping to get some advice from you all. I've been recently told that I'm anemic. I've been vegan since 1994 (veggie since 1990) and have had my iron tested regularly and have never had a problem before. I really don't think it is diet related. Rather, I think it is because I lost a considerable amount of blood when I gave birth a couple of years ago and my hemoglobin was pitifully low for a long time after. I'd like to focus on getting as much iron as possible from foods rather than supplements. From my research, I've learned that " they " say that heme iron (iron from animal sources) is a lot more readily absorbed than non-heme iron (iron from other sources). I'm looking for advice on vegan sources for iron. To be honest, I have been feeling awfully run down lately and think this might be the cause (other than I am a full-time working single mother of toddler twin boys) and I'd like to boost my iron for that reason alone. > > Thanks in advance for any advice you may be able to give. > Amelia > > > Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted July 15, 2009 Report Share Posted July 15, 2009 Thanks for the tip about the vitamin c. Do you know how much I should take? And, on that veggie list of sources of iron, are some more easily absorbed than others or are all plants created equal? ________________________________ robin koloms <rkoloms Wednesday, July 15, 2009 3:45:24 PM Re: Absorbable Iron Here is a listing of plant based iron sources: http://www.soystach e.com/iron Be sure to always have a vitamin C source with your iron; the C increases the absorbtion ____________ _________ _________ __ Amelia Golden <agolden (AT) rogers (DOT) com> vegie parents <@gro ups.com> Wednesday, July 15, 2009 1:56:13 PM Absorbable Iron I'm hoping to get some advice from you all. I've been recently told that I'm anemic. I've been vegan since 1994 (veggie since 1990) and have had my iron tested regularly and have never had a problem before. I really don't think it is diet related. Rather, I think it is because I lost a considerable amount of blood when I gave birth a couple of years ago and my hemoglobin was pitifully low for a long time after. I'd like to focus on getting as much iron as possible from foods rather than supplements. From my research, I've learned that " they " say that heme iron (iron from animal sources) is a lot more readily absorbed than non-heme iron (iron from other sources). I'm looking for advice on vegan sources for iron. To be honest, I have been feeling awfully run down lately and think this might be the cause (other than I am a full-time working single mother of toddler twin boys) and I'd like to boost my iron for that reason alone. Thanks in advance for any advice you may be able to give. Amelia Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted July 15, 2009 Report Share Posted July 15, 2009 Amelia When pregnant my iron levels were quite low. My midwife suggested Floradix. It is a herbal tonic. If I remember correctly it is plant and food based and tastes a bit awful. It was suggested to drink it with OJ (vit C) and avoid calcium for a bit before/after. I took a capful 3 times a day for two weeks and the results were amazing. I continued to take it off and on though not as regularly for 2 years after my son was born. I was able to find it at every hfs. It was a bit expensive. Also, there are tablets available but I think the liquid is more effective. Perhaps you could try this for a few weeks just to kickstart things. Good luck. agolden Wed, 15 Jul 2009 11:56:13 -0700 Absorbable Iron I'm hoping to get some advice from you all. I've been recently told that I'm anemic. I've been vegan since 1994 (veggie since 1990) and have had my iron tested regularly and have never had a problem before. I really don't think it is diet related. Rather, I think it is because I lost a considerable amount of blood when I gave birth a couple of years ago and my hemoglobin was pitifully low for a long time after. I'd like to focus on getting as much iron as possible from foods rather than supplements. From my research, I've learned that " they " say that heme iron (iron from animal sources) is a lot more readily absorbed than non-heme iron (iron from other sources). I'm looking for advice on vegan sources for iron. To be honest, I have been feeling awfully run down lately and think this might be the cause (other than I am a full-time working single mother of toddler twin boys) and I'd like to boost my iron for that reason alone. Thanks in advance for any advice you may be able to give. Amelia Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted July 16, 2009 Report Share Posted July 16, 2009 I have no idea, sorry. ________________________________ Amelia Golden <agolden Wednesday, July 15, 2009 3:08:56 PM Re: Absorbable Iron Thanks for the tip about the vitamin c. Do you know how much I should take? And, on that veggie list of sources of iron, are some more easily absorbed than others or are all plants created equal? ____________ _________ _________ __ robin koloms <rkoloms > @gro ups.com Wednesday, July 15, 2009 3:45:24 PM Re: Absorbable Iron Here is a listing of plant based iron sources: http://www.soystach e.com/iron Be sure to always have a vitamin C source with your iron; the C increases the absorbtion ____________ _________ _________ __ Amelia Golden <agolden (AT) rogers (DOT) com> vegie parents <@ gro ups.com> Wednesday, July 15, 2009 1:56:13 PM Absorbable Iron I'm hoping to get some advice from you all. I've been recently told that I'm anemic. I've been vegan since 1994 (veggie since 1990) and have had my iron tested regularly and have never had a problem before. I really don't think it is diet related. Rather, I think it is because I lost a considerable amount of blood when I gave birth a couple of years ago and my hemoglobin was pitifully low for a long time after. I'd like to focus on getting as much iron as possible from foods rather than supplements. From my research, I've learned that " they " say that heme iron (iron from animal sources) is a lot more readily absorbed than non-heme iron (iron from other sources). I'm looking for advice on vegan sources for iron. To be honest, I have been feeling awfully run down lately and think this might be the cause (other than I am a full-time working single mother of toddler twin boys) and I'd like to boost my iron for that reason alone. Thanks in advance for any advice you may be able to give. Amelia Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted July 16, 2009 Report Share Posted July 16, 2009 Floradix works amazingly well but I do have to warn you. Iron is one of those things that people tolerate differently. It can really do a number on your stomach, whether it's a pill or liquid. I think because Floradix is really potent that more people are sensitive to it. I took it once and had to return it because I felt so sick and dizzy. I talked to a bunch of other people that had similar reactions. But then I also know someone who swears by it. So I guess what I'm saying is if you're going to try it, make sure you have some time alone just in case you feel like junk afterwards. Also make sure you can return it if you do have a reaction or see if they can give you one of the small glass sample bottles. , Madeline White <madeline_killian wrote: > > > Amelia > > > > When pregnant my iron levels were quite low. My midwife suggested Floradix. It is a herbal tonic. If I remember correctly it is plant and food based and tastes a bit awful. It was suggested to drink it with OJ (vit C) and avoid calcium for a bit before/after. I took a capful 3 times a day for two weeks and the results were amazing. I continued to take it off and on though not as regularly for 2 years after my son was born. I was able to find it at every hfs. It was a bit expensive. Also, there are tablets available but I think the liquid is more effective. Perhaps you could try this for a few weeks just to kickstart things. Good luck. > > > > > agolden > Wed, 15 Jul 2009 11:56:13 -0700 > Absorbable Iron > I'm hoping to get some advice from you all. I've been recently told that I'm anemic. I've been vegan since 1994 (veggie since 1990) and have had my iron tested regularly and have never had a problem before. I really don't think it is diet related. Rather, I think it is because I lost a considerable amount of blood when I gave birth a couple of years ago and my hemoglobin was pitifully low for a long time after. I'd like to focus on getting as much iron as possible from foods rather than supplements. From my research, I've learned that " they " say that heme iron (iron from animal sources) is a lot more readily absorbed than non-heme iron (iron from other sources). I'm looking for advice on vegan sources for iron. To be honest, I have been feeling awfully run down lately and think this might be the cause (other than I am a full-time working single mother of toddler twin boys) and I'd like to boost my iron for that reason alone. > > Thanks in advance for any advice you may be able to give. > Amelia > > Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted July 18, 2009 Report Share Posted July 18, 2009 I'd suggest 2 things. You can take germanium(it's an amino acid, that helps the body to absorb iron). It comes in tablet form and is vegan. The other thing that works great is chylorophyll. It comes in liquid or tablets. Just follow label directions and drop the liquid in water each day. Hope this helps. Laura M In a message dated 7/15/2009 3:09:52 P.M. Eastern Daylight Time, agolden writes: I'm hoping to get some advice from you all. I've been recently told that I'm anemic. I've been vegan since 1994 (veggie since 1990) and have had my iron tested regularly and have never had a problem before. I really don't think it is diet related. Rather, I think it is because I lost a considerable amount of blood when I gave birth a couple of years ago and my hemoglobin was pitifully low for a long time after. I'd like to focus on getting as much iron as possible from foods rather than supplements. From my research, I've learned that " they " say that heme iron (iron from animal sources) is a lot more readily absorbed than non-heme iron (iron from other sources). I'm looking for advice on vegan sources for iron. To be honest, I have been feeling awfully run down lately and think this might be the cause (other than I am a full-time working single mother of toddler twin boys) and I'd like to boost my iron for that reason alone. Thanks in advance for any advice you may be able to give. Amelia [Non-text portions of this message have been removed] **************Can love help you live longer? Find out now. (http://personals.aol.com/articles/2009/02/18/longer-lives-through-relationships\ /?ncid=emlweu slove00000001) Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted July 22, 2009 Report Share Posted July 22, 2009 Hi Amelia, I've had mild anemia over the years (even before I went vegetarian or vegan). I don't know if anyone else has suggested this because it's kind of heresy to suggest it, but if you're drinking any caffeinated beverages, including coffee, you might want to consider giving them up. Caffeine can interfere with iron absorption if you drink coffee and eat iron-containing foods at the same time (or even within a few hours of each other). The book " Caffeine Blues, " has a great program on giving up caffeine without experiencing severe withdrawal. After years of drinking coffee, I just gave it up without too many withdrawal symptoms. I have yet to have my iron checked but would be interested to know if it helped me. Conversely, vitamin c can increase iron absorption, so if you eat foods containing iron, drinking a glass of orange juice along with beans, you'd increase how much iron you absorb. I don't know if someone already metioned the VRG website, but they've got a great summary of how to include iron in a vegan diet, including information on heme and non-heme iron. Their web site is http://www.vrg.org/nutrition/iron.htmhttp://www.vrg.org/nutrition/iron.htmhttp:/\ /www.vrg.org/nutrition/iron.htm As parents, we need all the energy we can get. Andrea Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted July 22, 2009 Report Share Posted July 22, 2009 Hi Amelia, I've been on vacation, so this reply is a little late, but maybe it can still help. I drink a tea made of nettle that is very high in iron and I believe it is easily absorbed. I make a big batch and drink a tall glass each day (I drink it cold, though you can drink it warm too.) Hope that helps some! Elizabeth On Wed, Jul 15, 2009 at 1:56 PM, Amelia Golden <agolden wrote: > > > I'm hoping to get some advice from you all. I've been recently told that > I'm anemic. I've been vegan since 1994 (veggie since 1990) and have had my > iron tested regularly and have never had a problem before. I really don't > think it is diet related. Rather, I think it is because I lost a > considerable amount of blood when I gave birth a couple of years ago and my > hemoglobin was pitifully low for a long time after. I'd like to focus on > getting as much iron as possible from foods rather than supplements. From my > research, I've learned that " they " say that heme iron (iron from animal > sources) is a lot more readily absorbed than non-heme iron (iron from other > sources). I'm looking for advice on vegan sources for iron. To be honest, I > have been feeling awfully run down lately and think this might be the cause > (other than I am a full-time working single mother of toddler twin boys) and > I'd like to boost my iron for that reason alone. > > Thanks in advance for any advice you may be able to give. > Amelia > > Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted July 22, 2009 Report Share Posted July 22, 2009 Hi Andrea, I’m not sure anemia is linked to veg*ism since after 20+ years as a vegetarian, I’m constantly told I can cut back on my red meat as a health practitioner is looking over my high iron #s in blood test results. When they hear that I haven’t eaten red meat in all these years, and then very minimally before that, they are usually shocked (as they link red meat with iron levels), and we get to have a conversation about how vegetarians get and absorb iron. ☺ But I don’t know, I may be a freak. ☺ But come to think of it, those high iron results started after I stopped my 2-pot a day coffee habit . . . hmmm. Have a great day, Lorraine On Behalf Of library.momma Tuesday, July 21, 2009 4:09 PM Re: Absorbable Iron Hi Amelia, I've had mild anemia over the years (even before I went vegetarian or vegan). I don't know if anyone else has suggested this because it's kind of heresy to suggest it, but if you're drinking any caffeinated beverages, including coffee, you might want to consider giving them up. Caffeine can interfere with iron absorption if you drink coffee and eat iron-containing foods at the same time (or even within a few hours of each other). The book " Caffeine Blues, " has a great program on giving up caffeine without experiencing severe withdrawal. After years of drinking coffee, I just gave it up without too many withdrawal symptoms. I have yet to have my iron checked but would be interested to know if it helped me. Conversely, vitamin c can increase iron absorption, so if you eat foods containing iron, drinking a glass of orange juice along with beans, you'd increase how much iron you absorb. I don't know if someone already metioned the VRG website, but they've got a great summary of how to include iron in a vegan diet, including information on heme and non-heme iron. Their web site is http://www.vrg.org/nutrition/iron.htmhttp://www.vrg.org/nutrition/iron.htmhttp:/\ /www.vrg.org/nutrition/iron.htm As parents, we need all the energy we can get. Andrea Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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