Combining meat and vitamin C promotes absorption greater than either component alone. Many times meals provide adequate iron sources but snacks are poorly chosen. Iron absorption also tends to be lower when meals contain whole grains, soymilk and legumes. Since fiber interferes with iron absorption, do not depend on iron-fortified, whole grain cereals as your only iron source. Take a prenatal vitamin-mineral supplement daily, if prescribed by your physician.
Most prenatal vitamins contain an iron supplement.
If your physician prescribes additional iron, it may be better absorbed if taken on an empty stomach. Avoid consuming substances with meals that are known to impair iron absorption, such as coffee, tea, antacids and calcium carbonate. These should be taken between meals. The following chart shows the amount of iron found in common foods. The most iron you can reasonably expect to get from your diet is about 12-15 mg per day.