What
causes iron deficiency anemia and what can I do to boost
my iron levels during pregnancy?
• It is quite common for women to have this complaint.
You may be low in this important nutrient if
• You are in the habit of drinking tea or coffee
close to mealtime (something that makes it difficult
for your body to absorb iron from food sources) You
have a history of heavy menstrual bleeding
• You donate blood 3 or more times each year
• Your diet is low in meat, fish, poultry and/or
vitamin C (vitamin C plays a key role in iron absorption)
• You have had 2 or more pregnancies spaced closely
together
• Your doctor may recommend iron supplement to
boost iron levels particularly if you are carrying more
than one baby. If you have been prescribed, it is best
to take your supplement with a glass of orange juice
in between meals, if your stomach will let you. (Some
women face morning sickness when they take supplements
on an empty stomach) If you find the iron supplement
causes constipation, find out if you can switch to a
liquid formula; some women find them to be less constipating.
If your system is not able to tolerate any sort of iron
supplement you have to make a concerted effort to obtain
your iron through food sources. The best food sources
include cooked beans, white beans, soybeans, lentils
and chick peas; pumpkin, sesame and squash seeds; and
iron-enriched cereals.
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