Sources of iron

You can definitely find iron in foods other than spinach, that's for sure! Animal sources of iron include liver, kidneys, red meat, poultry, seafood (especially oysters and clams), and eggs. A few good plant sources of iron include peas, beans, nuts, leafy green vegetables (especially spinach), enriched pastas and breads, and fortified cereals. More specifically, MD, to satisfy your iron needs and your sweet tooth, you might seek out iron-rich fruits such as watermelon, raisins, strawberries, dates, figs, dried apricots, and peaches. Iron can also be found in prunes and prune juice. No matter the source though, your body?s ability to absorb iron from foods varies from about 3 to 40 percent, depending on its form in the food, the body's need for it, and a variety of other factors. It?s also good to know that, not all iron is created equal ? iron from certain sources are more readily absorbed in the body than others (more on that in a bit). Beyond knowing what iron-rich food options you can stack on your plate, keep reading for more on what role iron plays in your body, how much you need of it, and how to maximize its absorption.