Good plant sources of iron include lentils, chickpeas, beans, tofu, cashew nuts, chia seeds, ground linseed, hemp seeds, pumpkin seeds, kale, dried apricots and figs, raisins, quinoa and fortified breakfast cereal.

Vegans can find non-heme iron in dried beans and legumes, dark green leafy vegetables, dried fruits, nuts and seeds, and wholegrain cereals and breads.

The following foods can interfere with iron absorption:

• tea and coffee.
• milk and some dairy products.
• whole-grain cereals.
• foods that contain tannins, such as grapes, corn, and sorghum.
• foods rich in gluten, such as pasta and other products made with wheat, barley, rye, or oats.

However, milk and milk substitutes (like soy milk) are not good for children with iron deficiency anemia for a number of reasons. Milk and milk substitutes are poor sources or iron. Milk interferes with the body’s ability to absorb iron from food and supplements.

Cow’s milk actually makes it harder for the body to absorb iron. Toddlers can develop iron deficiency anemia if they drink too much cow’s milk (more than 24 ounces a day) and do not eat enough foods that are rich in iron such as green leafy vegetables and red meat.

Iron-rich Fruits Fruits like apples, banana and pomegranates are a rich source of iron and must be taken each day by anaemic individuals to get those pink cheeks and stay in pink of health. Mulberries and black currants too are iron-rich.

Choose iron-rich foods

1. Red meat, pork and poultry.
2. Seafood.
3. Beans.
4. Dark green leafy vegetables, such as spinach.
5. Dried fruit, such as raisins and apricots.
6. Iron-fortified cereals, breads and pastas.
7. Peas.

Orange juice. OJ doesn’t have iron, but consuming vitamin C at the same time as iron-rich foods increases the rate of iron absorption. Most children’s juices, including apple and grape juice, are fortified to deliver 100 percent of the recommended daily allowance for children.

The BIOSAFEAnemia Meter is the first FDA-approved, hand-held device that can be conveniently used at home to test hemoglobin levels (Figure 1). Low levels of hemoglobin may indicate anemia. Thus, the Anemia Meter may be used as an additional screening method.

Black stools are normal when taking iron tablets. In fact, this is felt to be a sign that the tablets are working correctly. Talk to your provider right away if: The stools are tarry-looking as well as black.

Eggs, Red Meat, Liver, and Giblets Are Top Sources of Heme Iron.

An apple a day keeps the doctor away? Well, you heard that right. Not only is it good for your health, it is also a rich source of iron. Apples are a suitable and delicious option when it comes to boosting hemoglobin levels.