Learning About High-Iron Foods
What foods are high in iron?
The foods you eat contain nutrients, such as vitamins and minerals. Iron is a nutrient. Your body needs the right amount to stay healthy and work as it should. You can use the list below to help you make choices about which foods to eat.
Here are some foods that contain iron.
Fruits
- Apricots (dried), 1/4 cup (60 mL)
Vegetables
- Asparagus (raw), 6 spears
- Beet, Swiss chard, or turnip greens, 1/2 cup (125 mL)
- Snow or green peas, cooked, ½ cup (125 mL)
- Spinach, (cooked) 1 cup (250 mL)
Grains
- Cereals, fortified with iron, 30 g (1 oz)
- Oatmeal, instant, cooked, 3/4 cup (175 mL)
Meats and other protein foods
- Beans (kidney, lima, navy, white), cooked, 3/4 cup (175 mL)
- Beef or lamb, 75 g (2½ oz)
- Chickpeas (garbanzo beans), 3/4 cup (175 mL)
- Liver of beef, chicken, or pork, 75 g (2½ oz)
- Oysters (cooked), 75 g (2½ oz)
- Sardines (canned), 75 g (2½ oz)
- Soybeans (cooked), 3/4 cup (175 mL)
- Tofu (soft, firm, or extra firm), 3/4 cup (150 g)
Work with your doctor to find out how much of this nutrient you need. Depending on your health, you may need more or less of it in your diet.
Where can you learn more?
Go to https://www.healthwise.net/patientEd
Enter R005 in the search box to learn more about "Learning About High-Iron Foods".
Adaptation Date: 8/18/2022
Adapted By: Alberta Health Services
Adaptation Reviewed By: Alberta Health Services