Suffering from iron deficiency - ex-Tea Addict

Discussion in 'Off-Topic Discussion' started by JWK, Jul 11, 2013.

  1. Jiffy

    Jiffy The Match is on Fire

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    I think that was on, What's in your food the other night on tv, not shore it i heard it right, but it is iron in a powered form
     
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    • Jiffy

      Jiffy The Match is on Fire

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      You could take a tablet for that
       
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      • Sirius

        Sirius Total Gardener

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        I drink far too much coffee.
        Courtesy of a Nespresso machine that was given to me by my in-laws for my 40th last year :old:
         
      • shiney

        shiney President, Grumpy Old Men's Club Staff Member

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        John, I think you're worrying a bit too much! :snork:

        Although tannin does enhance the non-absorption of iron it isn't just the fact of the constituents of the drink that is causing the problem. The problem is also caused by drinking with, or soon after, meals. :hate-shocked: It's much better not to have any drink (a glass of wine with a meal is normally OK but you should keep off it whilst trying to enhance your iron levels) within half an hour of eating. This gives the goodies in food more time to be absorbed and, then, doesn't dilute your digestive enzymes. You don't want to flush the food through the duodenum (where iron is absorbed) too quickly.

        Under normal circumstances the 'normal' diet would easily allow your body to absorb enough iron but an excess of tea or wine can be detrimental. Vitamin C will help combat this.

        If you're taking mineral supplements, they may also reduce the absorption of iron.

        One thing you need to be aware of is the inhibiting factor of phytic acid. This inhibits the absorption of iron and is found in larger quantities in nuts and grains - and, unfortunately, cocoa (chocolate). Google about phytic acid. Once again, there is no need to be bothered by this as long as you aren't having these things to excess.

        If you eat more foods that contain iron and reduce the inhibitors your iron levels will quickly rise. People should never go over the top with this as you don't want an excess of iron either. Everything in moderation. :dbgrtmb:
         
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        • nFrost

          nFrost Head Gardener

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          Interesting this thread came up. I've recently been debating with Mrs nFrost about how to give Ted, our sixth month old lad, enough iron without using meat. She's keen on giving him meat but I'm not (over the years I'm slowly going off eating the flesh of dead beings) so we're wondering what is a sufficient substitute?

          Apparantly their iron stores run out at roughly six months but we're not supposed to start giving him meat until he's nine months. Don't fancy giving him that chicken paste stuff, I can imagine were it came from...:frown:
           
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          • JWK

            JWK Gardener Staff Member

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            Hi nFrost, I'm no expert on it but I would have thought young Ted would get enough iron from a normal diet - even if it was a meat free diet. As others have said on here, there is plenty of iron in cereals and veggies. Just don't make him drink tea at the same time as eating :)
             
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            • JWK

              JWK Gardener Staff Member

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              Ah sorry nFrost just realised how young your lad is, if he is on formula milk or mothers then doesn't that have enough iron in it? Not something I've got any knowledge of, when does he start weaning, those pots of baby food should have enough - we used to give our youngsters the same as what was on our dinner plate only put through a mincer.
               
            • clueless1

              clueless1 member... yep, that's what I am:)

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              Breakfast cereals that are 'fortified with iron' actually have iron filings sprinkled on. Its not the iron filings you might remember from experiments involving magnets, or unauthorised experiments involving sulphuric acid like you might remember from your school days though. They are 'food grade iron filings'.

              I wouldn't be getting any ideas though. Our recommended daily amount is about 10 to 15mg per day. That's not much at all, and in fact its iron oxide (I think) that we need, so rust in other words.
               
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              • Ellen

                Ellen Total Gardener

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                There's also follow-on milk for older babies that will likely have the daily recommended iron intake. As for more vegetarian iron, leafy dark green veg like spinach is a winner. This link has more than I realised, like tofu and seeds!
                https://www.vegsoc.org/sslpage.aspx?pid=782
                 
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                • Ellen

                  Ellen Total Gardener

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                  Reminds me of this particular weird craving some pregnant women are alleged to get, with wanting to eat coal!
                   
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                  • Jiffy

                    Jiffy The Match is on Fire

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                    Well, form this thread i've just sign up to give blood :dbgrtmb:

                    So JWK for being short in iron you have started some thing good :)

                    Any tips for a person that dosn't like white coats :help:;)
                     
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                    • clueless1

                      clueless1 member... yep, that's what I am:)

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                      You've even done a short poem:)
                       
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                      • JWK

                        JWK Gardener Staff Member

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                        Cor Jiffy you've made my day, well done!

                        It's maybe a little daunting thinking about it but honestly there is nothing to worry about.

                        :dancy:
                         
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                        • JWK

                          JWK Gardener Staff Member

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                        • Ellen

                          Ellen Total Gardener

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                          Do you see many there who have a needle phobia? Honestly that's the only reason I don't donate; I break out into sweats (palms etc) if a needle comes anywhere near me, even if I know it's not going in me. I've also been known to pass out when having to give blood for things like liver function tests... I'd love to give blood
                           
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