KVJ Posted May 19, 2015 Share Posted May 19, 2015 I'm a bit concerned my kids are not getting enough iron in their diets. Thai kids have much lower iron levels than kids in developed countires and while I'm sure my kids are above average they are probably still below developed country levels. Appreciate any suggestions people have for sources of iron that are widely available in Thailand. There doesn't seem to be a lot of opitons - the steak is poor quality and they don't like it. They eat a bit of liver occasionally, I suppose we could step that up. They eat leafy greens fairly regularly. Mince beef probably once a week. Apart from that am out of ideas. Would prefer not to have them take supplements if possible though. Any ideas appreciated. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Crossy Posted May 19, 2015 Share Posted May 19, 2015 From a thread in the Cambodia forum http://lucky-iron-fish.myshopify.com/products/lucky-iron-fish Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
thaimite Posted May 19, 2015 Share Posted May 19, 2015 (edited) From a thread in the Cambodia forum http://lucky-iron-fish.myshopify.com/products/lucky-iron-fish You beat me to it. I was just about to post the same link Edited May 19, 2015 by thaimite Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
KVJ Posted May 19, 2015 Author Share Posted May 19, 2015 (edited) From a thread in the Cambodia forum http://lucky-iron-fish.myshopify.com/products/lucky-iron-fish Not quite what I was expecting! Edited May 19, 2015 by KVJ Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
h90 Posted May 19, 2015 Share Posted May 19, 2015 Doesn't the iron come automatic with the daily consumption of meat? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Sudgirl Posted May 19, 2015 Share Posted May 19, 2015 Black strap molasses is loaded with iron and other nutrients and minerals that the body needs I drink in coffee, but there are so many ways to take molasses and I think that although the sugar content is high the benefits of molasses outweigh the sugar intake, i.e. Iron calcium and potassium. You must buy blackstrap not just molasses because the bs is unsulphured and Villa market sells it from Australia. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Skygod2000 Posted May 19, 2015 Share Posted May 19, 2015 Cook with a cast iron fry pan or skillet. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
peter267 Posted May 19, 2015 Share Posted May 19, 2015 Marmite! Was in Tesco's last week Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Sheryl Posted May 19, 2015 Share Posted May 19, 2015 In addition to meat, fish and poultry, the following are high in iron: beans and pulses green leafy vegetables - pak bung is especially good (and is also rich in calcium) Some grains (cereals, breads etc) are fortified with iron but you need to read the labels to know. In particular children's cereals are apt to be fortified. With young children a factor in iron deficiency anemia can be hookworm. If you live in a rural area and your children sometimes go barefoot, it may be wise to treat pre-emptively for this every 6-12 months. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
maderaroja Posted May 19, 2015 Share Posted May 19, 2015 A cast iron skillet will also help to provide iron to the diet. The "iron fish" is a good substitute because the Thai people eat so much soup; Tom Yam. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
SOUTHERNSTAR Posted May 19, 2015 Share Posted May 19, 2015 Use cast iron cookware, eat beetroot, spinach, broccolli, liver, stewed beef/curry if they don't like the steak. I will however not change their diet before a blood test shows low levels of iron. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Snowbuddy Posted May 19, 2015 Share Posted May 19, 2015 Sun-Maid or California seedless raisins are really good value, and a very good source for dietary iron, buy at Topps, Tesco, enjoy with Scottish Whole Grain Oats, and never look back. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
MrBrad Posted May 19, 2015 Share Posted May 19, 2015 From the Mayo Clinic website: http://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/iron-deficiency-anemia/basics/prevention/con-20019327 You can reduce your risk of iron deficiency anemia by choosing iron-rich foods. Choose iron-rich foodsFoods rich in iron include: Red meat Pork Poultry Seafood Beans Dark green leafy vegetables, such as spinach Dried fruit, such as raisins and apricots Iron-fortified cereals, breads and pastas Peas Your body absorbs more iron from meat than it does from other sources. Click on the link for more information. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
cornishcarlos Posted May 19, 2015 Share Posted May 19, 2015 Guiness... I swear by it, fit n healthy Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Snowbuddy Posted May 19, 2015 Share Posted May 19, 2015 r Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Goompa Posted May 19, 2015 Share Posted May 19, 2015 IRON VALUES.pdf What I found quite refreshing is that ^ Milo is a high source of Iron .... and kids love it as well I downloaded this page and values from what the Doc gave me a week or so ago , maybe be of some help . Cheers Goomps Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
faraday Posted May 19, 2015 Share Posted May 19, 2015 If you gently retract the lower eyelid with your finger & look at the inside surface, if it is pale pink this generally is an indicator of low iron/anaemia. A blood test is of course a sure way of confirming this. For what reason do you suspect they have an Iron Deficiency? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
asdecas Posted May 19, 2015 Share Posted May 19, 2015 In addition to meat, fish and poultry, the following are high in iron: beans and pulses green leafy vegetables - pak bung is especially good (and is also rich in calcium) Some grains (cereals, breads etc) are fortified with iron but you need to read the labels to know. In particular children's cereals are apt to be fortified. With young children a factor in iron deficiency anemia can be hookworm. If you live in a rural area and your children sometimes go barefoot, it may be wise to treat pre-emptively for this every 6-12 months. Add pak krachet to that - English name Water Mimosa. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Suradit69 Posted May 19, 2015 Share Posted May 19, 2015 You need to be careful in attempting to elevate iron levels, especially but not exclusively, with supplements High doses of iron are LIKELY UNSAFE, especially for children. Iron is the most common cause of poisoning deaths in children. Doses as low as 60 mg/kg can be fatal. Iron poisoning can cause many serious problems including stomach and intestinal distress, liver failure, dangerously low blood pressure, and death. If you suspect an adult or child has taken more than the recommended amount of iron, call your healthcare professional or the nearest poison control center immediately.There is some concern that high intake of iron might increase the chance of developing heart disease. Some studies show that people with high intake of iron, especially from food sources such as red meat, are more likely to have heart disease. This may be especially true for people with type 2 diabetes. But this is controversial. Other studies do not show that iron increases the chance of heart disease. It is too soon to tell for sure if iron increases the chance of heart disease. http://www.webmd.com/vitamins-supplements/ingredientmono-912-iron.aspx?activeingredientid=912&activeingredientname=iron Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Craig krup Posted May 19, 2015 Share Posted May 19, 2015 The key thing is an oxidising agent in the gut at the same time. Thai food will be full of things like lemon and lime juice, so that'll boost absorption. Non-haem (i.e. plant) sources are (IIRC) absorbed better with heam sources present, so again the big mixed gut of food is the way forward. But curried sardines with a bit of lemon or lime in with it will be very high. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
cracker1 Posted May 19, 2015 Share Posted May 19, 2015 A friend sent this address about the same topic from Cambodia. It may be of interest ? http://www.bbc.com/news/health-32749629 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
oztaurus Posted May 19, 2015 Share Posted May 19, 2015 From a thread in the Cambodia forum http://lucky-iron-fish.myshopify.com/products/lucky-iron-fish You beat me to it. I was just about to post the same link I also arrived too late to post the same link - it seems that great minds really do think alike Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Konaboy1 Posted May 19, 2015 Share Posted May 19, 2015 In addition to meat, fish and poultry, the following are high in iron: beans and pulses green leafy vegetables - pak bung is especially good (and is also rich in calcium) Some grains (cereals, breads etc) are fortified with iron but you need to read the labels to know. In particular children's cereals are apt to be fortified. With young children a factor in iron deficiency anemia can be hookworm. If you live in a rural area and your children sometimes go barefoot, it may be wise to treat pre-emptively for this every 6-12 months. what about chicken blood and chicken feet?Thai delicacies? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
ozyjon Posted May 19, 2015 Share Posted May 19, 2015 Very interesting reading, thank you for posting such informed replies. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
maidee Posted May 20, 2015 Share Posted May 20, 2015 if you are in doubt, get the kids iron level tested with a blood test ? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
KVJ Posted May 20, 2015 Author Share Posted May 20, 2015 Thanks for all the replies. Will book the kids in for a blood test before doing anything major. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
h90 Posted May 20, 2015 Share Posted May 20, 2015 With daily some good meat, organic if possible and exercise everything should be OK. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
ALFREDO Posted May 20, 2015 Share Posted May 20, 2015 if you are in doubt, get the kids iron level tested with a blood test ? Was told from Isaan Private school, pupils had been tested, my son has not enough iron in his system, came with some prescription of tablets he should take. Not easy to get him to eat that medicine regular. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Craig krup Posted May 20, 2015 Share Posted May 20, 2015 (edited) if you are in doubt, get the kids iron level tested with a blood test ? Was told from Isaan Private school, pupils had been tested, my son has not enough iron in his system, came with some prescription of tablets he should take. Not easy to get him to eat that medicine regular. They used to tell medical students that in the developed world all deficiencies were uptake problems rather than intake problems: hormonal or other issues rather than not enough iron. I don't think they are that confident about this any more. When people take in a lot of their calories in sugar and fat the intake of iron-rich food drops. I'd 1) confirm the levels, and 2) ensure that there's not another reason: bleeding hemorrhoids, worms or something similar. NHS Southampton repeats the advice about using juice/lemon/lime to up absorption. http://www.uhs.nhs.uk/media/controlleddocuments/patientinformation/digestionandurinaryhealth/adviceforimprovingyourironintake-patientinformation.pdf Edited May 20, 2015 by Craig krup Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
KVJ Posted May 21, 2015 Author Share Posted May 21, 2015 Interesting stuff about absorption. Maybe the easiest thing to do is get that Iron Fish and pop it in the soups. That, and possibly an iron wok should keep the whole family on track. I know cereals are fortified these days but I have prefered to keep them away from cereals up till now. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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