Unfortunately, since liver concentrates the antibiotic and chemical residues used in raising livestock, it cannot be recommended. Bone marrow can be contaminated with lead and strontium 90. And of course, excessive consumption of red meat contributes to a higher risk of heart disease and cancer. A better choice would be poultry or seafood, which are excellent sources of iron (although not as high as beef), especially clams, oysters, sardines, and shrimp.

The iron added to processed white breads and cereals is difficult to absorb. It is best to eat 100 percent whole wheat bread, sugar free cereals and other whole grains.

The iron in your food can be increased by cooking in cast iron cookware. More iron can also be added to your diet by adding liquid chlorophyll to your drinking water.

Moreover, iron absorption is increased by the use of vitamin-C and hydrochloric acid taken with food. Gastric analysis of people with iron deficiency anemia showed that two-thirds of them had little or no hydrochloric acid being produced in the stomach to help digest food. It is not known whether the low HCL in the stomach is the cause of the iron deficiency anemia or the result of it.

A poor diet means less iron is absorbed. The tannic acid in tea interferes with iron absorption, so do the phosphates in soft drinks and some food preservatives such as EDTA. Excess calcium carbonate, certain antacids, and excess zinc are thought to interfere with iron absorption. Trace minerals such as copper and manganese appear to enhance the absorption of iron.

Other Natural Sources Of Iron

I have had good results treating anemia in women who can't take iron supplements with unrefined black strap molasses, one tablespoon in warm water daily. Women using molasses must brush their teeth carefully afterwards.

Blue green sea algae such as spirulina are high in iron, chlorophyll, B-12 and folic acid. Spirulina has been used in Japan to successfully treat iron deficiency anemias. It was most beneficial in cases related to long-term inadequate dietary intake of iron, but it also helped speed recovery from blood loss anemias. The blue green algae can be taken in the form of powder to be mixed with water or juice, or in tablet or capsule form.

Tea made from red raspberry leaves is high in iron. Another iron rich drink is made by blending turnip tops, beet greens, spinach, chard, kale, nettles, chickweed, dandelion leaves, etc. with water or juice.

Natural Iron Supplements

Floradix and Fera (in the U.S.) are two excellent liquid iron supplements that are derived from fruits and vegetables in a yeast base. These supplements are easy to take and they do not cause constipation.

Chelated natural iron supplements are available from many health food stores and do not usually cause constipation or heartburn. Chelation encloses the iron molecule in a large protein molecule to enhance absorption. Iron in this form appears to be well absorbed.

In Ottawa, Kent McCloud, biochemist and pharmacist, has developed a form of natural iron in capsules that is extremely well absorbed and non-constipating. It is very effective at building up the hemoglobin and I highly recommend it.

Synthetic Iron Supplements

Synthetic iron is combined with various forms of iron salts. Any of the following iron salts can be prescribed:

1. Ferrous fumarate 200mg of this compound is equivalent to 65mg of elemental iron.

2. Ferrous gluconate 300mg is equivalent to 35mg of iron.

3. Ferrous sulphate 300mg equals 60mg of iron.

4. Ferrous ascorbate 225mg equals 33mg of iron.

5. Ferrous succinate 100mg equals 35mg of iron.