Certain Foods Can Increase or Decrease Absorption of Non-Heme Iron
The absorption of heme iron (from meat and animal products) isn't generally affected by diet; however, your body's absorption of non-heme iron (from plant sources) can vary depending on other items you eat or drink.1
For example, orange juice or other foods that contain vitamin C can help your body absorb non-heme iron more easily if they're eaten at the same time. On the other hand, coffee, tea and a variety of other items can reduce the amount of iron your body is able to absorb.2,3
Other foods that inhibit iron absorption include:4
- Wheat germ
- Whole wheat flour
- Lentils
- Dark green vegetables
As you can see, many of these foods are still good for you. The idea isn't to cut them out of your diet; just remember to eat them at times when they won't affect the rest of the iron content in your meals.
Important Safety Information
WARNING: Accidental overdose of iron-containing products is a leading cause of fatal poisoning in children under 6. KEEP THIS PRODUCT OUT OF THE REACH OF CHILDREN. In case of accidental overdose, call a doctor or poison control center immediately.
Warning
Folic acid alone is improper therapy in the treatment of pernicious anemia and other megaloblastic anemias where vitamin B12 is deficient.
Precautions
Administration of Drug- General: Take 2 hours after meals. Do not exceed recommended dose. Discontinue use if symptoms of intolerance appear. The type of anemia and underlying cause or causes should be determined before starting therapy with Ferralet® 90 tablets. Ensure Hgb, Hct, reticulocyte count are determined before starting therapy and periodically thereafter during prolonged treatment. Periodically review therapy to determine if it needs to be continued without change or if a dose change is indicated. This product contains FD&C Yellow No. 5 (tartrazine) which may cause allergic type reactions (including bronchial asthma) in certain susceptible persons. Although the overall incidence of FD&C Yellow No. 5 (tartrazine) sensitivity in the general population is low, it is frequently seen in patients who also have aspirin hypersensitivity.
- Folic Acid: Folic acid in doses above 0.1 mg daily may obscure pernicious anemia in that hematologic remission can occur while neurological manifestations remain progressive. Pernicious anemia should be excluded before using these products since folic acid may mask the symptoms of pernicious anemia.
- Pediatric Use: Safety and effectiveness in pediatric patients have not been established.
- Geriatric Use: Dosing for elderly patients should be cautious. Due to the greater frequency of decreased hepatic, renal, or cardiac function, and of concomitant disease or other drug therapy, dosing should start at the lower end of the dosing range.
This material is intended to provide basic information. Patients should discuss all medical advice, diagnosis, and treatment with their healthcare provider.
Please see full Prescribing Information
- Finch CA, Cook JD. Iron deficiency. American Journal of Clinical Nutrition. 1984 Mar;39(3):471-7.
- Cook JD, Reddy MB. Effect of ascorbic acid intake on nonheme-iron absorption from a complete diet. Am J Clin Nutr. 2001 Jan;73(1):93-8
- Cook JD, Dassenko SA, Whittaker P. Calcium supplementation: effect on iron absorption. Am J Clin Nutr. 1991 Jan;53(1):106-11.
- Morck TA, Lynch SR, Cook JD. Inhibition of food iron absorption by coffee. Am J Clin Nutr. 1983 Mar;37(3):416-20.
Iron Absorption
