How is Iron Deficiency Treated?

 

It is very important to determine what is causing the iron deficiency in order to treat it properly. 
 

Treatment may simply involve a change in dietary habits if not enough iron-rich foods are being eaten.

 

If anemia is a result of too much blood loss or an underlying condition, the cause will need to be determined and proper treatment for the condition provided.
 

In either case, your physician may also recommend an iron supplement to help increase iron levels and prevent iron deficiency.

How is Iron Deficiency Prevented?

 

Depending on what is the cause of the anemia, iron deficiency can be improved or prevented with a change in diet and/or with iron supplementation.
 

Iron levels can be improved by increasing the amounts of iron-rich foods in diet such as:
 

• Vitamin C and acidic foods

• Liver and Red Meat

• Seafood

• Dried fruits like apricots, prunes and raisins

• Nuts and Beans

• Green leafy vegetables like spinach and broccoli

• Whole grains

• Iron fortified foods and beverages
   

The amount of iron the body absorbs can also be improved with diets high in vitamin C (citrus fruits or juice) or with iron supplements enriched with vitamin C.