If a person is iron deficient he or she will want to incorporate substances or foods that increase or improve iron absorption. One will also want to avoid foods or substances that impair absorption such as:
Foods that Inhibit Iron Absorption
Eggs
Calcium Rich Foods
Foods high in Oxalates



Eggs contain a compound that impairs absorption of iron
Calcium rich foods are the only known substance to inhibit absorption of both non-heme and heme iron
Foods high in oxalates impair the absorption of non-heme iron
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Spinach
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Beets
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Chocolate
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Rhubarb
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Herbs like oregano, basil and parsley
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Tea
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Kale
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Nuts
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Wheat Bran
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Strawberries
Polyphenols Rich Foods

Polyphenols rich foods which are major inhibitors of iron absorption
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Black Elderberry
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Black Chokeberry
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Blackcurrant
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Highbush Blueberry
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Globe artochoke heads
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Coffee, filtered
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Lowbush Blueberry
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Sweet Cherry
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Strawberry
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Blackberry
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Hazelnut
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Red Wine
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Plum
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Red Raspberry
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Flaxseed Meal
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Dark Chocolate
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Chestnut
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Black Tea
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Green Tea
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Pure Apple Juice
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Apple
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Whole Grain Rye Bread
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Soy Yoghurt
Phytates Rich Foods

Phytates rich foods - a compound contained in soy protein and fiber. Even low levels of phytate have a strong inhibitory effect on iron bioavailability
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Whole Wheat Bread
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Wheat Flour
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Walnut
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Spinach
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Soy Protein Concentrate
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Sesame Seeds Flour
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Wheat Germ
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Wheat
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Tofu
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Soybeans
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Soy Beverage