Eat heme iron foods daily: red meat, liver, dark poultry meat, sardines, clams, oysters
Eat non-heme iron foods regularly: lentils, beans, chickpeas, tofu, spinach, fortified cereals, pumpkin seeds
Pair iron-rich foods with vitamin C foods: citrus, strawberries, kiwi, bell peppers, tomatoes, broccoli
Avoid tea, coffee, and cocoa with iron-rich meals
Avoid calcium supplements and high-calcium foods at the same time as iron-rich meals
Cook with cast-iron cookware
Take an iron supplement if prescribed or recommended by a healthcare professional
Take iron on an empty stomach if tolerated
Take iron with vitamin C if tolerated
Separate iron from antacids, calcium, zinc, magnesium, and certain medications
Treat the cause of iron loss, such as heavy periods, bleeding, or poor absorption
Recheck iron levels with a healthcare professional
Seek urgent medical care for chest pain, fainting, shortness of breath, or severe weakness