Drinks filled with adequate iron for the body

Iron deficiency is one of the most common types of nutrient deficiencies worldwide, and it can lead to a condition called iron deficiency anemia.

Iron deficiency can occur when we do not get enough of the mineral, or when we do not absorb as much iron as the body needs.

It is more common in women and can cause weakness and fatigue, among other symptoms.

There are two forms of iron in our diets: heme iron and nonheme iron.

Heme is an iron-containing protein that is part of hemoglobin, which is a protein in red blood cells that carries oxygen throughout the body.

Heme iron is found in animal food sources, such as meat, and is absorbed more easily in the body.

Nonheme iron is found in plant foods, such as grains, beans and nuts, and is less easily absorbed.

Choosing a drink containing vitamin C, such as orange juice, tomato or grapefruit, around the time of your meal will increase the amount of nonheme iron that can be absorbed.

In one study, 100 mg of vitamin C increased iron absorption by fourfold.

This is roughly equivalent to what you would get from one cup of orange juice.

Keeping this in mind is especially important for people who don't eat meat, as all of the iron in their diet will be non-heme iron.

Tea is a popular drink after meals and is often enjoyed with meals, but it contains a biologically active compound called tannin, which is an inhibitor of bloodless iron absorption.

Tannin is classified as an organic compound called polyphenols.

It is also found in many foods including cocoa, almonds, grapes, berries, pomegranates, and spices (for example, vanilla and cinnamon), which may find their way into drinks such as juices.

Coffee also contains tannin, and the chlorogenic acid in coffee is an important inhibitor of iron absorption.

Tea and coffee are among the most powerful iron inhibitors.

A cup of tea can reduce iron absorption by 75% to 80%, and a cup of coffee by about 60%.

The stronger their focus, the greater the effect.

Therefore, it is best to avoid tea and coffee while eating and for the two hours before and after a meal.

This is roughly the length of time that food and drink remain in your stomach before it is completely absorbed.

This includes breakfast, which is the most common meal with tea and coffee.