HARVARD HEALTH PUBLISHING HAS ANSWERS TO COMMON QUESTIONS ABOUT IRON LEVELS.
What does it mean if my folates are low?
Answered by Dr. Howard E. LeWine
M.D. Chief Medical Editor, Harvard Health Publishing · 40 years of experience · USA
Folic acid (also known as folate or vitamin B9) has many important functions including normal tissue growth in the fetus and young children. Folic acid is needed to produce red blood cells and to keep nerves and brain cells functioning appropriately. Low blood folate levels happen when people are not getting adequate nutrition or they have an intestinal problem that interferes with normal absorption of nutrients. Low folic acid in pregnant women can lead to birth defects. Folate deficiency can cause anemia in any one.
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What foods are good to eat if you have low iron?
Answered by Dr. Howard E. LeWine
M.D. Chief Medical Editor, Harvard Health Publishing · 40 years of experience · USA
There are two food sources of iron: meat or heme and plants or non-heme. Meat contains iron in a form that is most easily absorbed by your body. Your body can absorb some non-heme iron but not as efficiently as heme iron. However, once a person has iron deficiency, he or she will likely need a supplement because dietary sources alone usually will not be enough to replace the body’s iron stores. Taking 250 milligrams of a vitamin C supplement may improve iron absorption. But avoid taking iron with coffee or certain teas as they interfere with iron absorption.
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How can I lower my iron levels in the blood?
Answered by Dr. Howard E. LeWine
M.D. Chief Medical Editor, Harvard Health Publishing · 40 years of experience · USA
It’s important to know why your iron levels are high before considering how to lower them. Assuming you have or at risk for the iron overload condition known as hemochromatosis, you will want to avoid iron-rich foods. Foods like red meat and liver have the greatest amounts of iron. Your doctor will also consider other treatments, such as periodic blood taking. Assuming they meet all other requirements, people with hemochromatosis can donate blood.
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Disclaimer: This is for information purpose only, and should not be considered as a substitute for medical expertise. These are opinions from an external panel of individual doctors, and not to be considered as opinion of Microsoft. Please seek professional help regarding any health conditions or concerns.
