Eat heme-iron foods daily: red meat, liver, dark poultry meat, sardines, clams, oysters
Add non-heme iron foods: lentils, beans, tofu, spinach, pumpkin seeds, fortified cereals, quinoa
Pair iron-rich foods with vitamin C: oranges, 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
Cook with cast-iron cookware
Take an iron supplement only as directed by a healthcare professional
Take iron on an empty stomach if tolerated
Use vitamin C with iron supplements if recommended
Treat the cause of low iron, such as heavy periods, blood loss, or low absorption
Recheck iron levels with a healthcare professional
Seek urgent medical care for chest pain, shortness of breath, fainting, or severe weakness