Anemia is a very common condition, and it may be especially problematic for people with digestive diseases, including inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) and celiac disease. People with IBD may not only have problems in getting enough iron in their diet and absorbing that iron but also with bleeding that may increase the risk of anemia.
Therefore, it is crucial that people with IBD get enough iron in their diet. Vegetable sources of iron are known as “non-heme” iron, and animal sources of iron are known as “heme” iron. Heme iron is generally easier to absorb than non-heme iron. Eating vitamin C along with an iron source may help the iron be absorbed and used easier by the body.
For people with IBD, or who have an ostomy or a j-pouch and who are dealing with a restricted diet, getting iron-rich foods that are also easy to digest can be a challenge. The good news is that once you know where to find it, getting enough iron can be less of a chore and more of a pleasure as you explore foods that are good sources of iron and that are also easier to digest.
Turkey lunch meat has less iron, around 1.1 mg per serving of about 1.7 ounces. However, lunch meat is easier to come by and is a quick item that can be eaten right out of the package. Go for a high-quality deli cut, and beware of brands that contain added sugars, colors, salt, or other additives.
Other nutritional benefits to turkey include vitamin B12, vitamin B6, magnesium, and protein. It’s also low in fat and is an easy to digest form of protein.
Not just a good source of iron, chicken also contains many other vitamins and minerals, including vitamin B6, vitamin B12, magnesium, and potassium.
Breakfast cereal can also be a wealth of other vitamins and minerals that people with IBD might not get enough of in their diet, including vitamin A, vitamin D, folate, calcium, and zinc.
