I went vegetarian about 8 months ago and just got my blood work done - turns out my iron levels are pretty low. I'm tired all the time and don't want to start eating meat again, so I'm looking for actual foods and supplements that actually work instead of just what I've been trying.
Plant-based iron (non-heme) doesn't absorb as well as meat iron, so you need to be strategic about it. Load up on lentils, beans, dark leafy greens, and fortified cereals, but pair them with vitamin C sources like citrus, tomatoes, or bell peppers to boost absorption - skip the tea and coffee around meals since they block it. Honestly a supplement makes sense at this point since you're already low; iron supplements work pretty fast if you take them right (usually on an empty stomach, though that can mess with your stomach so take with food if needed). Get your levels rechecked in a few months to make sure you're actually getting better, because low iron can sneak up on you.
Log into answer.
