Linda G. Hsieh is a practicing registered dietitian with over
six years experience in clinical practice. Focusing on
prenatal and pediatric nutrition, she has worked as a
nutrition educator for over nine years.
Q:I'm four months pregnant and was told my iron levels were a little low. I take prenatal vitamins and eat red meat only occasionally. What other sources should I look to?
A: Like lean beef, fish and chicken are also great sources of iron. Adding these animal proteins to your diet will help boost your iron levels. Iron-fortified cereals and breads, leafy green vegetables, as well as soybeans and dried beans are rich sources of iron. However, the iron from plant foods is not as easily absorbed in the body compared with animal protein. To help increase iron absorption from these sources, add vitamin C-rich foods to your meals, such as drinking a glass of orange juice with your spinach salad.
Linda G. Hsieh is a practicing registered dietitian with over
six years experience in clinical practice. Focusing on
prenatal and pediatric nutrition, she has worked as a
nutrition educator for over nine years.
