Iron is a mineral needed for body processes, including oxygen transport, electron transport, and DNA synthesis. Women can have challenges in having the amount of iron needed due to nutritional intake and absorption difficulties. Anemia can be the result of malnutrition, blood loss, a medical condition like sickle-cell disease, or a digestive disorder like Celiac disease. Diagnosis is based on a blood test. Sometimes symptoms are a sign that diet changes are worth considering. In pregnancy, the blood volume expands by 30-50%. It is usually necessary to supplement iron to have adequate iron levels. Pregnant women need to address their iron need to prevent anemia. They can eat iron-containing foods and add supplements to their diet regimen.

 

Personal Story

When I was pregnant with my first child, I read as much as I could about pregnancy. I wanted to choose foods that would give the best nutrition for my unborn child. I discovered that one of the things I needed to do was to eat foods that help prevent anemia.

Symptoms

With anemia, a woman has a reduced amount of hemoglobin or a reduced number of red blood cells. This means there is less oxygen available to the body and less energy to do normal activities.  This may cause a need for more iron.

Symptoms include:

• Appetite loss
• Brittle nails
• Constipation
• Low energy
• Lowered resistance to infection
• Muscle dysfunction
• Palpitations
• Pica
• Poor scholastic performance
• Smooth tongue

If a woman has any of these symptoms, she should seek medical advice.

Foods

Iron is found in meats and dairy, as well as plants. Getting iron from plant food rather than supplements is better because foods have other nutrients (copper, molybdenum, manganese, Vitamin A, and the B complex) that are needed to absorb the iron safely.

Iron-rich foods include the following:

• red meat
• blackstrap molasses
• almonds
• dark green leafy vegetables
• carrots
• beets
• beet greens
• asparagus
• bananas
• whole grains (esp. millet & kamut)
• raisins
• parsley
• peas
• plums
• squash
• prunes
• purple grapes
• broccoli
• yams

Consuming some of these foods each day can help boost iron levels, unless there is a problem with absorption or a health condition.

Things that Inhibit Absorption

Try to avoid consuming things that inhibit absorption at the same meal with foods that contain iron. These include:

• inorganic iron supplements
• caffeine
• tea
• beer
• candy bars
• soft drink
• dairy products

Consume only small amounts of these foods that inhibit absorption:

• almonds
• cashews
• chocolate
• cocoa

Most nuts and beans inhibit absorption.

Supplements

Nutritional therapy for anemia might include:

• Whole food multivitamin/mineral supplement
• B complex which includes vitamin B-12 and folic acid
• Vitamin C increases the absorb-ability of iron supplements
• Calcium
• Chlorophyll
• Stinging Nettles is the second most used herbal pregnancy tonic. It is rich in protein, vitamins, minerals, and chlorophyll, which is a traditional remedy for anemia.
• Yellow dock and dandelion root are a traditionally used combination that may be helpful for anemia which does not respond to other supplements. Note: Yellow dock is sometimes contraindicated in pregnancy because it is a mild laxative, but clinically it has not been observed with increased uterine activity. It seems to relieve anemia associated constipation while it builds iron.
• If the above does not correct iron levels, you might consider taking Floradix Iron and Herbs. Do not take iron supplements with food.

Note: Please discuss this blog post with your physician to get guidance.

Action Step

Consult with a health care professional for a diagnosis and choosing the best supplements for you and your unborn baby.

May God bless your healthful endeavors!

Joni

P.S. How do you get adequate iron in your diet?