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-I recently tried to give blood but was unable to because my hemoglobin level was at 11.9 and a level of 12.5 is required. The nurse said that this was an indication of iron deficiency. Is this level of iron deficiency anemia a problem that I should be concerned about? I’ve heard of food combinations that may help-which are best? Should I take an iron supplement?-
Iron deficiency anemia develops when not enough iron is available to bone marrow to make hemoglobin, the substance which carries oxygen to cells. This condition commonly is due to inadequate iron intake, increased iron loss (blood loss from menstruation or from surgery), or an increased need for iron (such as during pregnancy and lactation).
For adults, the normal range for hemoglobin concentration in grams per deciliter is 12.0 to 15.5 (females) and 13.5 to 17.5 (males). Although the level you mention is considered borderline-low, one measurement of hemoglobin concentration by itself is not diagnostic for iron deficiency anemia. If hemoglobin values remain low, further blood tests may be needed to confirm anemia, to identify its cause and type, and to determine treatment.
o For more on iron and health, see “Anemia - It’s more than just too little iron.”

Diet is important
Careful choices in the selection and preparation of food can enhance iron intake. There are three sources of dietary iron:
• Heme iron-present in meat, fish and poultry; it is readily absorbed.
• Non-heme iron-mostly found in eggs, vegetables, grains, fruits and dried beans and peas. Although your body is less able to absorb this type of iron, absorption can be enhanced.
• Iron-enriched or fortified foods-have added iron. Check package labels. Foods that are cooked in cast iron pans also may be higher in iron content.
o ”Food Sources of Iron”

Here’s how to enhance your iron absorption.
• Eat foods containing heme iron along with non-heme sources.
• Include foods rich in vitamin C. This vitamin helps make iron more readily absorbed.
• Avoid foods that decrease iron absorption such as tea and coffee.
Do not take iron supplements unless advised by your health-care professional. Because treatment is aimed at correcting the underlying problem that is causing anemia, your doctor may recommend further tests or a different approach to treatment. However, when blood levels indicate that anemia is due to iron deficiency, and you do not respond to dietary adjustments, an iron supplement may be recommended.