What are the signs of iron deficiancy and are there any foods that are hign in iron?

Question

I can't afford supplements so any suggestions?

Answer 1

Mild iron deficiency anemia may not cause noticeable symptoms. If anemia is severe, symptoms may include:
* Weakness, fatigue, or lack of stamina.
* Shortness of breath during exercise.
* Headache.
* Difficulty concentrating.
* Irritability.
* Dizziness.
* Pale skin.
* Craving substances that are not food (pica). In particular, a craving for ice can be a sign of iron deficiency anemia
* Rapid heartbeat.
* Brittle fingernails and toenails.
* Cracked lips.
* Smooth, sore tongue.

Some good foods with iron in them are:
* liver
* lean red meats, including beef, pork, lamb
* seafood, such as oysters, clams, tuna, salmon, and shrimp, etc.
* beans, including kidney, lima, navy, black, pinto, soy beans, and lentils
* iron fortified whole grains, including cereals, breads, rice, and pasta
* greens, including collard greens, kale, mustard greens, spinach, and turnip greens
* tofu
* vegetables, including broccoli, swiss chard, asparagus, parsley, watercress, brussel sprouts
* chicken and turkey
* blackstrap molasses
* nuts
* egg yolks
* dried fruits, such as raisins, prunes, dates and apricots

Answer 2

Iron deficiency causes anemia. About 20% of women, 50% of pregnant women and 3% of men are iron deficient. Iron deficiency is the most prevalent deficiency state in the world.
http://www.patient.co.uk/showdoc/40002221/

There are usually no signs till the iron deficiency is significant enough for anemia to develop. There may be sores around the mouth/lips (Angular cheilitis), sore red tongue (glossitis), deformed finger nails (koilonychia -spoon nails) and pallor.

With the onset of anemia, there is fatigue, irritability and poor memory and concentration with some people.Others include sore tongue, brittle nails, pica (there seems some doubt as to whether pica is the cause or the result of iron deficiency and zinc may be involved), susceptibility to infection, especially in children
and developmental delay also in children.

There is a detailed description here
http://www.emedicine.com/med/topic1188.htm

Answer 3

Iron deficiency can exhibit itself in you feeling cold or weak. Foods high in iron are liver, red meats, broccoli, and spinach. Increase these levels and if you no longer feel this way, you nailed it on the head. Liver is the highest though.

Answer 4

Do a yahoo serch on iron rich foods