Add Iron To Your Diet

If you're a regular blood donor, you are one of the unsung heroes in the world that can make the difference in many people's lives so give yourself a pat on the back. As a regular blood donor, you most likely don't have a problem with low iron levels and know the importance of incorporating iron-rich foods into your diet. On the other hand, if you've been deferred by the intake nurse because your hematocrit (iron level) was too low, you most likely were handed a flyer with a listing of all the foods you should be eating, with liver in the number-one spot on the list.

Not everyone is a fan of iron. Luckily, there are other iron-rich dietary sources you may not be aware of. Consider black-strap molasses, for instance, which tastes great in cookie form. Or any green leafy vegetable that can be cooked, such as spinach or Swiss chard, makes a delicious side dish to a meal. Many cereal manufacturers enrich their products with iron so check the label. Mollusks, such as clams, oysters and scallops, are also high in iron. 

Even if you're not a blood donor, maintaining sufficient levels of iron in your blood is important; otherwise, you risk developing anemia, the most obvious symptoms of which are fatigue and lack of energy. Very active women are especially prone to anemia when, indeed, they're the ones who need iron the most since it's crucial to red blood cell production and an optimum cardiovascular system.

If you find it hard to get sufficient iron through diet alone, consider a nutritional supplement, such as Integrative Therapeutics' Energizing Iron softgels. The trademarked formula from Integrative Therapeutics contains heme iron made from Argentinian bovine sources that were given a diet free of antibiotics. Integrative Therapeutics also offers their Iron Complex softgels that have another trademarked technology, which allows for the greatest absorption of liver and increased production of red blood cells. If you follow a vegetarian diet and need an iron supplement, consider the Iron Plus C formula from Vital Nutrients.