Getting enough iron is important for RNY patients.  Iron is absorbed in your small bowel, therefore, RNY patients are prone to iron mal-absorption. But never fear; here’s how you can help get more iron in your diet with the foods you eat along with iron supplements.   

Iron is a necessary mineral for carrying and storing oxygen in your blood. All people need iron for good nutrition.

Eat Meat: Iron is highly present in red meat, but if you are opposed to eating red meat, many other foods contain ample amounts of iron.

Eat Chicken or Fish: Chicken livers contain a large amount of iron, nearly 13 milligrams per 3-1/2 ounce serving. Other non-red meat and fish that contain iron include oysters, the dark meat of chicken and turkey, chicken breast, tuna, crab, shrimp and sardines. Including meat or fish in your diet will help release iron from fiber foods, such as chili con carne; which combines kidney beans and brown rice. Eating a slice of ham with bread or salad is suggested.

Eat vegetables and beans: Many vegetables and beans contain iron. The body has a more difficult time absorbing non-heme iron so it is important, if you are a vegetarian or are otherwise required to get more iron into your body, that you also eat foods that can help non-heme iron absorption such as foods that contain Vitamin C. Vegetables, beans and legumes that have a good amount of iron include spinach, soybeans and lentils, black, navy, pinto, kidney and lima beans.

Eat Cereals: Enriched, ready-to-eat cereals can have up to 100 percent of the daily value of iron. Other sources of iron in grains and bread can be found in whole wheat, enriched white bread and grits. Other foods containing iron include almonds, peanuts, cashews and blackstrap molasses. 

Eat Fruit ... Certain food combinations will help increase iron absorption. Foods containing Vitamin C such as oranges and tomatoes aid iron absorption. Adding oranges with cereal is a good example. Fresh grapefruit is a great addition to any meal. Try the white variety, Ora Blanca, from Australia; it’s as sweet as an orange.

Avoid... drinking tea or coffee with meals and you will gain more benefit from the iron in your food.

Please note that calcium mildly inhibits iron absorption and should be taken at a different time, perhaps before bedtime.

But first and foremost, remember to take your iron supplements.