Apricots, figs, watermelon, raisins and prunes are the best fruits. Most vegetables are a poor source with carrots, asparagus and beets the best of the rest of the group. Brewers yeast and blackstrap molasses are old standbys for vegetarians. Your doctor can measure your iron status quite easily. However, early anemia symptoms will show before a simple iron test shows anemia.
Special iron binding capacity tests, and iron transferring tests are more accurate.
The earliest detection will come from darkfield microscopy, a special microscope used mostly by alternative practitioners. Iron from a multivitamin can be very difficult to absorb, especially the inexpensive brands. Iron peptonate and glycinate are two of more easily assimilated forms. They are also less likely to cause nausea and constipation, two problems with iron pills.