recipes for food therapy of iron deficiency anemia

[hwainwright]

Hello.

My nephew is 1 year old and, despite iron supplements and some dietary enhancements, he continues to suffer from iron deficiency anemia. I'm trying to help my sister, his mother, find resources for recipes that include iron-rich (esp. heme-iron for better absorption) foods. Does anybody know of any good books, websites, etc.?

Thanks!
--Heather

[Svadhisthana]

Welcome to the boards!

I'm not a RD (although there are a few on the BB) but, I know of a few things.
First off, spinach is high in iron but, can actually inhibit the absorption of iron.
Dairy can also lower the amount of iron absorbed. Foods high in vitamin C can help with iron absorption and both cream of wheat and malt-o-meal are good sources of iron (when not made with dairy).


As far as websites are concerned I guess www.webmd.com might be of help as well as this site. (http://www.vh.org/pediatric/patient/pediatrics/cqqa/anemia.html#6)

Good Luck!

Crystal

[wallycat]

Welcome to the BB.

Meat is the best heme-source iron. If he is eating foods with non-heme iron, he should eat them with some vitamin C foods (which alters the non-heme into a more absorbable type)...so a glass of OJ with his fortified morning cereal, etc.

Is he going through a growth spurt perhaps and just not eating enough calories?
Low iron is common in children and it is good that they are monitoring the situation.

Keeping a food diary for the dietitan can help her figure out where he can add foods to help.

GOod luck.