Vegan Sources Of Iron + How to Choose A Supplement!
JAMES COLQUHOUN
Living a vegan lifestyle can have some excellent health and environmental benefits if done correctly. However, one challenge that many vegans face is a lack of energy and vitality that can sometimes come as a result of depleted iron levels. Iron is the mineral that your body requires to produce red blood cells, which in turn carry oxygen and other essential nutrients throughout the body, in addition to maintaining healthy cells, skin, hair, and nails. Insufficient iron levels can cause problems such as shortness of breath, elevated heartbeat, fragile nails and hair, a sore tongue, and even cravings for unique substances such as dirt or clay. Iron is a nutrient that is found primarily in animal products; therefore many people who chose the vegan life often experience a sudden decrease in their iron levels upon making the switch.
There are several vegan food sources that contain iron, however, in most cases, the levels of iron in these foods are substantially lower than those found in animal products and therefore, trying to satisfy an individual's recommended dietary intake on a vegan diet can sometimes prove difficult.
So what are best sources of iron for those who choose to live the "friends not food" way of life?
Daily Iron Intake
The UK's Department of Health recommends that adults receive anywhere between 8.7 mg - 14.8 mg of iron each day, dependent upon a variety of factors such as menstruation and body size/type. The US Recommended Dietary Allowances fall within a similar range at 10 mg a day for non-menstruating adults; 15mg for teenagers and menstruating adults, and an additional 15mg a day for women who are pregnant.
Natural Sources of Iron
Some great natural plant sources of iron include dried fruits, whole grains (including wholemeal bread), most nuts, dark green leafy vegetables, potatoes and seeds. Some other foods that are rich in iron but are generally eaten in smaller quantities include soy products, some flours, parsley, watercress, dark chocolate, black molasses and edible sea vegetables.
Remember Vitamin C
Vitamin C is essential to iron's bio-availability, meaning that you need to include foods that are high in vitamin C to help your body absorb the iron content of your food. Vitamin C is found in colorful fruits and vegetables such as oranges, lemons, berries, cabbage, green vegetables, blackcurrants, broccoli, kiwis and parsley.
Avoid Coffee
Caffeine and tannins can severely inhibit your body's absorption of iron, so it's highly recommended that you avoid drinking tea, coffee and other caffeine-containing drinks, particularly at meal times. Stick to healthy juices or water!
The Supplement Option
Iron is one of the most widespread nutrient deficiencies in the United States. According to the CDC (Centers for Disease Control and Prevention), an estimated 10% of women are deficient in iron. Many people turn to supplements when looking to boost their iron levels and this option is particularly attractive for vegans - especially when the primary alternative is a medium-rare rib fillet.
Choosing high-quality supplements can be a tricky business but we've pulled together a few of the best options for you to sink your teeth into.
Quantum Iron Support is a quantum-state blood support formula featuring live-source iron (from organic kelp, organic irish moss and organic beet) to help support healthy blood. It does not contain inorganic iron (such as ferrous fumarate). It offers two important nutritional blends: Iron Elite™ and Blood Advantage™ for optimal blood support.
Gentle Iron Vegetable Capsules by Solgar
Solgar’s vegan-friendly "vegiecaps" contain 25mg of iron per capsule and are free of sugar, salt, corn, yeast, wheat, soy, dairy, preservatives, and artificial flavors! The formula uses a belly-friendly form of iron, iron bisglycinate, which is a unique kind of chelated iron that achieves maximum absorption without inducing stomach issues or constipation.
This product has amazing reviews, with customers reporting dramatic improvements in iron levels after a short time taking the Gentle Iron supplement.
Choosing iron supplements can be confusing at times, but as long as you read the ingredients thoroughly and do some background research on the company that produces them, they are a great way to keep your iron levels up and maintain an overall level of good health!
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James Colquhoun is the filmmaker behind Food Matters, Hungry For Change, and Transcendence Seasons 1 & 2 and founder of Food Matters and FMTV. Along with Laurentine ten Bosch, James founded the Food Matters community following the release of the 2008 documentary, giving people the tools (films, books, articles, and guided programs) to take charge of their own health. From here, FMTV was born! It was designed as a place where you can access vital information by watching all of your favorite inspiring documentaries, expert interviews, & recipe videos in one place, and in early 2020 FMTV found it's new home on Gaia.