Maximizing iron absorption Consuming iron in food or supplements is important, but a person must also help their body absorb that iron. Foods rich in vitamin C, such as citrus fruits, strawberries and green leafy vegetables, can increase the amount of iron absorbed. Taking a vitamin C supplement may also help. Vitamin A and beta-carotene can help the body absorb and use iron.
Foods rich in vitamin A include: the Serbia Email List Fish the liver pumpkin sweet potato kale and collards Foods high in beta-carotene include yellow, red and orange fruits and vegetables, such as: carrots sweet potato pumpkin melon mango While vitamin A supplements can help the body process iron, the vitamin is dangerous if consumed in excess. Excess vitamin A can lead to a condition known as hypervitaminosis.
This can cause symptoms such as bone and joint pain, severe headaches and increased pressure inside the brain. 4. Taking iron supplements A doctor may advise a person with extremely low hemoglobin levels to take iron supplements. The dosage will depend on a person's levels. It is important to note that too much iron can be dangerous. It can cause hemochromatosis, which can lead to liver disease and side effects such as constipation, nausea and vomiting.