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The body absorbs iron
more efficiently during
pregnancy; therefore, it is
important to consume
more iron while you are
pregnant to ensure that
you and your baby are
getting enough oxygen.
Iron will also help you
avoid symptoms of
tiredness, weakness,
irritability, and depression.
Following a balanced diet
and including foods high
in iron can help ensure
that you are consuming
enough iron throughout
your pregnancy. In
addition, the following
guidelines will help:
The U.S. RDA for
iron is 27 mg per day
for pregnant women
and 15 mg for
breastfeeding women.
Joy feelings magazine
Eating at least three
servings of iron-rich
foods a day will help
ensure that you are
getting 30 mg of iron
in your daily diet.
One of the best ways
to get iron from your
diet is to consume a
highly fortified
breakfast cereal such
as Total, which has 18
mg of iron. Note that
iron intake is not
equal to iron
absorption.
Absorption of iron
into the body is
greatest with meat
sources of iron such
as liver.
The best sources of
iron include enriched
grain products, lean
meat, poultry, fish,
and leafy green
vegetables.