Iron is an important mineral for all body cells--especially red blood cells. Iron helps red blood cells make hemoglobin, which helps to oxygenate your body tissues. Cancer--especially cancer of the gastrointestinal tract--and chemotherapy can lead to iron deficiency anemia. Eating iron-rich foods during chemotherapy can help reduce the occurrence of this side effect.
Iron Deficiency Anemia
Iron deficiency anemia is a side effect that can be associated with chemotherapy. Iron deficiency anemia can cause irritability, fatigue and an increased heart rate. Patients may also experience a swollen tongue and an enlarged spleen. Patients may appear very pale and may also complain of a condition known as pica--the urge to eat peculiar substances such as dirt. Iron deficiency anemia should be diagnosed by a doctor. Tell your doctor or oncologist if you experience any signs of this condition. A physical examination, blood tests and a bone marrow biopsy can help diagnose iron deficiency anemia. Iron deficiency anemia is a condition treatable with diet and supplements. Your oncologist may also choose to change your treatment regimen if this condition becomes severe.
Iron Intake
Normal iron levels may vary slightly from person to person. Chemocare.com indicates normal iron levels for a female are between 40 to 150 ug/dL and 50 to 160 ug/dL for males. To avoid iron deficiency anemia, the National Institutes of Health recommends consuming a particular amount of iron each day--largely based on your age. Individuals between the ages of seven and 12 months should consume 11mg per day. Children between the ages of one and three should consume 7mg per day. Children ages four to eight should consume 10mg daily. Eight milligrams of iron is recommended for children between the ages of nine and 13. For females ages 14 to 18, 15mg is recommended and 11mg for males. Males ages 19 to 50 should consume 8mg daily and females should consume 18 mg. For those over the age of 51, 8mg should be consumed daily.
Meats
Eating a diet rich in iron can help to prevent iron deficiency related to chemotherapy. Meats are a good source of iron. Beef, pork lamb and liver as well as organic meats contain iron. Poultry is also a source of iron. Poultry includes chicken, duck and turkey. When it comes to meats, dark meats contain larger amounts of iron. For example, 3 oz. of liver contains 7.5mg of iron.
Fish
Fish is another means of consuming iron. Shellfish are sources of iron. Shellfish include clams, oysters, sardines, anchovies and clams. For example, 3 oz. of oysters contains approximately 13.2mg of iron.
Other Sources of Iron
There are many sources of iron that also allow you to maintain a healthy, well-balanced diet. Green vegetables--especially leafy vegetables--are sources of iron. These vegetables include collards and broccoli. Lima beans, dry beans and peas are also sources of iron. You can also opt to eat whole-wheat bread, pasta, rice, cereals and products fortified with iron. For example, a half cup of lima beans contains 2.3mg of iron and chickpeas contain 3mg of iron.
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