Iron

Disease Prevention/Treatment
Restless leg syndrome
Impaired intellectual development in children
Lead toxicity
Complications in pregnancy
Impaired Immune function
Cancer
GI disorders/ post surgery of GI tract
Heart Failure

Nutrient Interactions
Vitamin A
Vitamin E
Manganese
Copper
Zinc – reduced absorption of zinc from iron
Calcium – reduce bioavailability of iron

Drug Interactions
Antibiotics
Levodopa
Bisphosphates
Proton Pump Inhibitors (Stomach acid reducers)

Recommended Foods
Liver, Lean Meat, and Seafood are richest sources (more bioavailable)
Non heme iron present in Beans, Nuts, Fortified
Cereal, Chocolate
Spinach is harder to absorb iron from because it contains iron absorption inhibitors, making it less bioavailable- you would need to eat more spinach than beef or seafood.
About half of dietary iron comes from bread, cereal and grain products