Are There Foods That Reduce Iron In Your Blood?

Iron overload is a condition characterized by the accumulation of iron in the body. Over time, iron overload results in damage to the heart, liver, pancreas and joints. If the levels of iron in your blood become too high, your doctor may suggest that you change your diet. Foods do not lower iron in your blood directly -- the way iron chelator drugs and blood donation do -- but they can prevent future increases.

Significance

Food reduces iron absorption in two ways. Some foods contain substances such as phytates, oxalates and polyphenols that bind to iron and prevent your body from absorbing it. Other foods contain nutrients such as calcium that compete with iron for absorption. Some nutrients, such as sugar, alcohol, vitamin C and carotenoids, enhance the absorption of iron. Consume foods that contain these at least two hours before or after an iron-rich meal.

Foods to Enjoy

Calcium is the only substance known to inhibit the absorption of heme iron. Consume calcium-rich foods such as milk, yogurt, cheese, sardines, canned salmon, tofu, broccoli, almonds, figs, turnip greens and rhubarb to offset the effects of foods rich in heme iron, such as meat, poultry and fish. Choose oxalate-, phytate- or polyphenol-rich foods -- spinach, kale, beets, nuts, soy, chocolate, tea, wheat bran, rhubarb, apples, berries and herbs such as oregano, basil, mint and parsley -- to decrease the amount of iron you absorb from plant-based foods such as legumes and fortified grains.

Foods to Avoid

Avoid or limit foods that are rich in highly-absorbable heme iron, such as red meat, pork, poultry, fish and liver. For alternative sources of protein, consider eggs, dairy products and soy. All of these supply protein that is low in iron, especially eggs. Although eggs, particularly egg yolks, are often cited as a high-iron food, they contain a protein called phosvitin. The Iron Disorders Institute says the amount of phosvitin in a single, hard-boiled egg may decrease iron absorption from a meal by up to 28 percent.

Beverages

What you drink influences the amount of iron you absorb from foods. The Iron Disorders Institutes says coffee decreases iron absorption by up to 60 percent. Black or pekoe tea and Swedish cocoa may decrease iron absorption by as much as 90 percent. Cola drinks contain phosphorus, which interferes with iron absorption. Acidic juices -- such as lemonade and tomato, orange or cranberry juice -- enhance iron absorption. Replace them with apple juice, pear nectar or plain water.

Considerations

How you prepare your food also influences the amount of iron you absorb. Replace cast-iron cookware with copper, steel or non-stick-coated cookware. Consume more raw foods. The National Anemia Action Council says you absorb iron better from foods that are cooked. Ask your doctor about taking antacids with meals. Calcium-based antacids supply calcium that competes with iron for absorption. They also neutralize stomach acid that enhances the absorption of iron. Iron overload is a potentially dangerous condition. Work with your doctor to find a diet that meets your needs and attend follow-up appointments to make sure it's working.