Patient/caregiver was educated on measures to improve iron absorption as follows:
- Avoid taking calcium supplements and calcium containing foods along with foods containing iron and iron supplements. Calcium inhibits absorption of iron and avoiding calcium supplements and milk products on the same meal with iron rich foods, can help improved absorption of iron. Observing a gap of 2 hours between consuming food items rich in iron and calcium can help prevent this interaction.
- Iron needs acidic environment, to get absorbed in the small intestine. Gastric acid secreted in the stomach maintains the needed acidic environment for iron absorption. Any medications that can interfere with acid production and function, such as, antacids, can alter the acid environment needed and taken just before or at the same time with iron rich foods and iron supplements, can inhibit iron absorption. Avoiding intake of antacids immediately before or at the same time with iron rich foods and iron supplements, can help improved absorption of iron.
- Nuts, such as, almonds, pecans, and walnuts and legumes, such as, peas, black beans, and kidney beans contain compounds (phytates and tannins) that limit absorption of iron. Avoiding intake of these food items on the same meal with iron rich foods and iron supplements, can help improved absorption of iron. Also, these compounds inhibiting iron absorption are water soluble and so, soaking the nuts and legumes in water for 2 hours, before eating or cooking them can help with improved iron absorption.
