From the Guidelines
Iron-rich diets are strongly recommended for managing iron deficiency anemia, alongside medical treatment when necessary, as supported by the most recent study 1 published in 2025. Patients should focus on consuming heme iron sources like lean red meat, poultry (especially dark meat), and seafood (particularly oysters, clams, and sardines), which offer 15-35% absorption rates. Plant-based non-heme iron sources include beans, lentils, tofu, spinach, kale, fortified cereals, and dried fruits, though these have lower absorption rates of 2-20%.
Key Recommendations
- To enhance iron absorption, consume vitamin C-rich foods (citrus fruits, strawberries, bell peppers) alongside iron sources, as suggested by 1.
- Avoid calcium supplements, coffee, tea, and dairy products within two hours of iron-rich meals as these inhibit absorption.
- A typical dietary recommendation includes 2-3 servings of animal-based iron sources weekly, daily consumption of plant-based iron foods, and pairing meals with vitamin C sources.
Rationale
This dietary approach works by replenishing depleted iron stores, which are essential for hemoglobin production and oxygen transport throughout the body. While dietary changes alone may be sufficient for mild anemia, moderate to severe cases typically require supplementation under medical supervision alongside dietary improvements for optimal recovery, as noted in 1. However, the most recent and highest quality study 1 prioritizes the use of iron-rich diets and vitamin C to increase iron absorption, making it the primary recommendation for managing iron deficiency anemia.
From the FDA Drug Label
CONTAINS: Each tablet contains 324 mg of ferrous sulfate, equivalent to 65 mg of elemental iron, providing 362% of the U.S. recommended daily intake (RDI) of iron for adults and children 4 and older. The FDA drug label does not answer the question.
From the Research
Iron Rich Diet in Iron Deficiency Anemia
- Iron deficiency anemia can be caused by poor dietary intake, and increasing dietary iron intake is a key aspect of prevention and treatment 2.
- Dietary interventions, such as increasing iron supply and enhancing its absorption through vitamin C, can be effective in treating iron-deficiency anemia in women 3.
- Iron deficiency can have significant effects beyond erythropoiesis, including impaired mitochondrial function, fatigue, and decreased immune function, highlighting the importance of early detection and treatment 4.
Key Findings
- A systematic review of randomized controlled trials found that dietary interventions, including increasing iron and vitamin C intake, can be effective in treating iron-deficiency anemia in women 3.
- Iron deficiency can have profound effects on mitochondrial function, leading to fatigue, lethargy, and dyspnea, and iron repletion can improve exercise capacity 4.
- Increasing dietary iron intake is a crucial aspect of preventing and treating iron deficiency anemia, particularly in developing countries where iron-rich foods may be scarce 2.
Dietary Recommendations
- Dietary interventions for iron-deficiency anemia should include increased intake of iron and vitamin C 3.
- Iron-rich foods, such as red meat, poultry, fish, and fortified cereals, can help increase dietary iron intake 2.
- Vitamin C can enhance iron absorption, and foods high in vitamin C, such as citrus fruits and leafy greens, can be beneficial in treating iron-deficiency anemia 3.