The body needs iron to make hemoglobin, the proteins that carry oxygen to the red blood cells and muscles. Iron is typically sufficient in a healthy diet, so iron supplements are rarely required. A disease called hemochromatosis is a condition that interferes with the body's ability to absorb iron. People with this condition need to find ways to reduce iron intake. Too much iron also can affect children and people with eye diseases. There are a number of foods that can help reduce the amount of iron in the body.
Degenerative Diseases
Poor iron absorption can lead to various degenerative diseases such as mental retardation, vision loss and reduced motor abilities. Older people should not take iron supplements unless ordered by a doctor. Including iron-free foods in the diet also can help to reduce the symptoms. Liver spots also may be a result of trapped iron in the blood cells. Excess iron also can build up in the joints, increasing arthritis inflammation.
Iron-Free Foods
Dairy foods contain almost no iron, which is why many products like cheese and milk often are fortified with iron. Those trying to avoid additional dietary iron should look for milk, cheese, yogurt and cottage cheese that are not fortified with the mineral. Sugar has no iron in it, though it also has little nutritional value.
Trace Amounts of Iron
Eggs have trace amounts of iron, making them a better source of protein than meat, which is very high in iron. The iron in eggs is in the yolks, so eating egg whites can significantly help lower the amount of iron intake. Other foods that contain trace amounts of iron include bananas and margarine that is not fortified with vitamins and minerals. Dark green leafy vegetables are higher in iron than other lighter vegetables such as iceberg lettuce and watercress.
Additives
People looking to reduce iron in their diets should read product labels for added minerals. Many cereal brands are fortified with iron and other vitamins and minerals. A low-vitamin cereal is Shredded Wheat, versus fortified cereals such as Total. Another popular source of iron is the trace elements that come off of iron cookware. Those trying to avoid iron should not cook in iron skillets or other pans made of cast iron.
Reduce Iron Absorption
Because iron is so prevalent in many food sources, there are products that can reduce iron absorption. Drink commercial brands of black or pekoe teas that bind iron as they are metabolized, so the body cannot absorb the mineral. Vitamin C facilitates iron absorption. Those looking to reduce iron in their systems should avoid vitamin C supplements and excess amounts of fruit.
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