List of Foods & Drinks High in Iron

Most people equate iron deficiency with anemia, but not getting enough iron in your diet affects all bodily functions. In addition to playing a role in assisting hemoglobin with carrying oxygen throughout your body, iron is also needed for the proper working of all your cells. Filling your diet with food rich in iron ensures you're getting what you need for overall better health. Consult your doctor if you're concerned about the iron in your diet.

Iron Needs Vary

Iron needs for premenopausal women are significantly higher than they are for men and post-menopausal women -- 18 milligrams per day vs. 8 milligrams per day. This is due to the increase in iron losses for women due to menstruation. Iron needs for pregnant women are even higher at 27 milligrams per day.

The average iron intake in the Western diet is about 6 to 7 milligrams per 1,000 calories, according to the University of California, Davis 1. While men may not have a hard time meeting their needs, women do.

Heme Iron in Animal Proteins

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Animal proteins contain heme iron, which the body easily absorbs. Oysters are a significant source of iron, meeting 44 percent of the daily value in a 3-ounce cooked portion. Sardines and beef bottom round are also good sources, meeting 11 percent of the daily value in a 3-ounce cooked portion.

You can also get more iron in your diet with other cuts of beef, as well as chicken, turkey, pork, other types of seafood and eggs.

Nonheme Iron in Plant Proteins

Plants contain iron in nonheme form, which is not as easily absorbed as heme iron. In fact, iron needs for vegetarians are 1.8 milligrams higher than the recommended dietary allowances due to the decrease in iron availability.

Plant proteins include legumes such as beans, peas and lentils, nuts and seeds. One cup of white beans contains as much iron as a serving of oysters. Lentils and tofu are also rich in iron, meeting 17 percent of the daily value in a 1/2-cup portion. Kidney beans, chickpeas, cashews and pistachio nuts can also help you meet your iron needs.

Including vitamin C-rich foods, such as red or green peppers, broccoli or orange juice, with nonheme sources of iron helps improve your body's absorption 2.

Iron-Rich Vegetables, Grains and Fruit

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You can get iron in a variety of different vegetables, grains and fruits. Like the plant proteins, these foods also contain nonheme iron.

One serving of whole-grain fortified breakfast cereal may help you meet 100 percent of your daily iron needs. Cooked spinach is also rich in iron, meeting 17 percent of the daily value per 1/2 cup. Canned tomatoes, green peas, raisins, figs, and whole-wheat bread are rich in iron as well.