[leigh09]

I have low iron levels again this pregnancy and am looking for ways to increase it other than by taking iron pills (iron pills are so very constipating and I would just rather not). I also have a strong aversion to red meat while pregnant, which I know is number one food source of iron.

Just looking for your input ...

 

[BlueEyedLady]

Dark greens (spinach, kale, etc.), beans, nuts, some whole grains, eggs, molasses, and some spices I think are all good non-meat sources.

 

[User101]

Moving out to the general pregnancy forum

 

[plantmama]

Floradix is a great iron supplement. It is liquid, pretty mild tasting and easily assimilated by the body. I believe it's non constipating.
Nettle tea is also good i think.
And you can make a supplement with dandelion root and yellow dock and molasses, but I would check and make sure it's safe during pregnancy. I've used it on a 2 y/o.

Also sunflower seeds have a lot.

 

[August09baby]

I second the Floradix. Since starting it I have felt great! I think it tastes a little gross - but the small amount goes noes quickly and there is never any after taste or anything. Good Luck

 

[acupuncturemomma]

I third the Floradix! Also, the yellow dock, dandelion, molasses brew should be safe during pregnancy; Aviva Jill Romm mentions it specifically in her book for boosting iron levels in pregnant women.

 

[lach]

My iron levels were very low during pregnancy, and DD's pediatrician was actually most helpful on this and she gave me a list of vegetarian iron-rich foods. Of course, I no longer have the list, but I do remember some of it. Try:

eggs (particularly the yolks)
dark leafy green vegetables (Kale, Dandelion Greens, Swiss Chard)
Dried apricots
Blackstrap Molasses
Brewer's Yeast

The last two are just supplements: the Brewer's Yeast tastes NASTY, though DD likes it. The Molasses is actually not bad: very strong, but works well in oatmeal for breakfast.

 

[babynatasha]

I was told the that calcium can block the bodies absorbtion of iron and that citrus can help it. (although maybe other know more about this?) So try taking your iron with a citrus juice, but not with Orange Juice enriched with calcium.

 

[Ianthe]

Here is a great list of non-meat sources of iron, and how much each food item has:

http://www.vrg.org/nutrition/iron.htm

 

[Ianthe]

Quote:

Originally Posted by babynatasha I was told the that calcium can block the bodies absorbtion of iron and that citrus can help it. (although maybe other know more about this?) So try taking your iron with a citrus juice, but not with Orange Juice enriched with calcium.

this is correct. Although it is Vit. C, not necessarily citrus.

 

[bemommy]

Quote:

Originally Posted by lach The last two are just supplements: the Brewer's Yeast tastes NASTY, though DD likes it. The Molasses is actually not bad: very strong, but works well in oatmeal for breakfast.

Brewer's yeast is delicious sprinkled on popcorn. High in B vitamins as well.

 

[aricha]

I recently started Floradix to correct my low iron, and was advised to take it twice a day before a meal with 500 mg of Vitamin C and not to have calcium-containing foods at the same time. The midwife also suggested nettles, either supplement or tea form.

The Floradix that is NOT gluten and yeast-free tastes better, IMO (the lady at the supplement store gave me a sample of each). It still tastes pretty gross, but I basically throw it back like a shot of liquor and follow it up with something better tasting.

 

[Pookietooth]

Prunes, cooked with lemon, nettles infusion.

 

[leigh09]

thanks for your replies. I have been drinking nettles near daily since I found out I was pregnant. I started floradix about 4 days ago and hopefully it helps boost my levels up!

 

[StephM76]

I eat a lot of spinach and red meat. Also, to increase your iron absorption eat something high in vitamin C right before you eat the iron rich foods. I usually try to eat an orange.

 

[sunnygir1]

Taking chlorophyll and Floradix helps boost iron levels.

You probably have enough food suggestions, but:
sesame seeds, tahini
legumes, especially lentils
dark, leafy greans
yes, nettle tea...good you are doing that
eggs
poultry
molasses
prunes...maybe other dried fruits too, I can't remember.
I'd have to look it up, but I think black cherry juice.

Best of luck.

ETA: Oh, yeah, pairing those iron-rich foods with vitamin c foods can help too.

 

[AngelBee]

:

 

[askew]

Floradix did wonders for my iron levels! Absolutely not constipating.

 

[MangoMommy]

My midwife suggested something called Gentle Iron, said I could get it at the natural foods store. I haven't look yet. Maybe I'll look for the Floradix too!

 

[lizziemomofalmost4]

Do the floradix pills work as well as the liquid?