New Mexico | Holistic Medicine Providers by City

NEW MEXICO CITIES

• Santa Fe

• Albuquerque

• Las Cruces

• Alamogordo

Iron

Iron is pervasive, but particularly rich sources of dietary iron include 

red meat, lentils, beans, poultry, fish, leaf vegetables, tofu, chickpeas, 

black-eyed peas, blackstrap molasses, fortified bread, and fortified 

breakfast cereals. Iron in low amounts is found in molasses, teff and 

farina. Iron in meat (heme iron) is more easily absorbed than iron in 

vegetables.[60] Although some studies suggest that heme/hemoglobin 

from red meat has effects which may increase the likelihood of 

colorectal cancer,[61][62] there is still some controversy,[63] and 

even a few studies suggesting that there is not enough evidence to 

support such claims.[64]

Iron provided by dietary supplements is often found as iron(II) 

fumarate, although iron sulfate is cheaper and is absorbed equally 

well. Elemental iron, or reduced iron, despite being absorbed at 

only one third to two thirds the efficiency (relative to iron sulfate),

[65] is often added to foods such as breakfast cereals or enriched 

wheat flour. Iron is most available to the body when chelated to 

amino acids[66] and is also available for use as a common iron 

supplement. Often the amino acid chosen for this purpose is the 

cheapest and most common amino acid, glycine, leading to "iron 

glycinate" supplements.[67] The Recommended Dietary Allowance 

(RDA) for iron varies considerably based on age, gender, and 

source of dietary iron (heme-based iron has higher bioavailability).

Infants may require iron supplements if they are bottle-fed cow's 

milk.[69] Blood donors and pregnant women are at special risk 

of low iron levels and are often advised to supplement their 

iron intake.