However, despite common beliefs to the contrary, only about one premenopausal women in ten is iron deficient. Nonetheless, a lack of iron in the diet is often part of the problem, so ensuring an adequate supply of iron is important. Non-heme iron is also found in these foods, as well as in dried fruit , molasses, leafy green vegetables , wine, and most iron supplements. Vegetarians eat less iron than non-vegetarians, and the iron they eat is somewhat less absorbable. As a result, vegetarians are more likely to have reduced iron stores.
Coffee interferes with the absorption of iron .
4 Black tea contains tannins that strongly inhibit the absorption of non-heme iron. In fact, this iron-blocking effect is so effective that drinking black tea can help treat hemochromatosis, a disease of iron overload. Consequently, individuals who are iron deficient should avoid drinking tea. Fiber is another dietary component that can impact the absorption of iron from foods. Foods high in bran fiber can reduce the absorption of iron from foods consumed at the same meal by half.