Diet and Iron
Iron is a mineral essential for making red blood cells. Red blood cells carry oxygen to the body. Oxygen is important for your body's cells to grow and function.
If the levels of iron in your body are low you may experience:
- a feeling of being tired
- lack of energy
- pale skin
- problem with concentration
- irritability
- difficulty breathing
- Your body needs iron to help build new red blood cells
- A higher red blood cell level will allow oxygen to get to body cells and help you recover faster from your surgery
- It also provides an adequate amount of red blood cells in case there is bleeding during or following your surgery
Iron can be found in a variety of foods. There are two types of iron in foods: Heme and Non-Heme irons. All the foods listed below have iron.
Heme iron is easily absorbed by the body and is found in foods such as organ meats (liver, kidney, heart), beef, lamb, pork, veal, poultry (dark meat), and fish or seafood.
Non-Heme iron is not as easily absorbed and is found in foods such as whole grain cereals or fortified cereals, vegetables (beans, lentils, dried peas, chard), dried fruits (raisins, apricots), seeds and nuts, breads and pasta that are whole grain or enriched.
When you eat non-heme iron, you should include foods that help to increase iron absorption. Foods containing vitamin C, such as fruit (strawberries, kiwi, oranges, raspberries), fruit juices, cauliflower, broccoli, brussels sprouts, tomatoes, turnip, and foods containing heme irons, will help in the absorption of the non-heme iron, when eaten at the same time.
Some combinations can include:
- iron fortified cereal with orange juice
- whole grain toast and strawberries
- egg salad and fruit
- beef with beans
Please visit Canada Food Guide and Beef Information Centre for extra dietary information.
NOTE: You should avoid tea, coffee, soft drinks with caffeine, cocoa and milk (calcium) with your meals because they lower the amount of iron that is absorbed. Have these drinks in between meals.
