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Dr. Bob is Robert Hsiung, MD,
bob@dr-bob.orgShown: posts 1 to 13 of 13. This is the beginning of the thread.
Posted by Angela2 on November 17, 2008, at 10:16:07
I recently became a vegetarian. My brother said that someone he knows was a vegetarian and they got an iron deficiency. Now I'm a little worried. I know there are other things you can eat, but is it enough?
Posted by seldomseen on November 17, 2008, at 12:26:54
In reply to Is anyone here a vegetarian?, posted by Angela2 on November 17, 2008, at 10:16:07
I really wouldn't worry too much about that. The iron in vegetables in what is termed non-heme iron and is much less readily absorbed than heme iron that is found in meats.
However, it is absorbed. In fact, the addition of white wine, broccoli, almost all fruits etc.. can help non-heme iron be absorbed.
The best sources for non-heme iron in my opinion are enriched breakfast cereals, and an odd little concoction called blackstrap molasses. Where I'm from pregnant women *still* eat blackstrap molasses to "keep their blood up" (so cute). It can be found in most organic grocers and health food stores. Lentils and pumpkin seeds are good iron sources.
The key when you are a vegetarian is to eat a variety of foods, or you can opt for a supplement (pre-natal vitamins are a good one). However, iron supplements kill my stomach, so be forewarned.
And, no i'm not a vegetarian, I just happen to kow a lot about iron. Strange isn't it.
Seldom
Posted by Phillipa on November 17, 2008, at 12:54:35
In reply to Re: Is anyone here a vegetarian? » Angela2, posted by seldomseen on November 17, 2008, at 12:26:54
Maybe a good MVI with iron that is made from natural sources there is one in Vitamin Shoppe at least think it has iron. Check around. Love Phillipa
Posted by manic666 on November 17, 2008, at 13:04:55
In reply to Is anyone here a vegetarian?, posted by Angela2 on November 17, 2008, at 10:16:07
for iron content i always with a 24oz steak with my one piece of lettuce. joke sorry.manic666
Posted by fayeroe on November 17, 2008, at 13:22:54
In reply to Is anyone here a vegetarian?, posted by Angela2 on November 17, 2008, at 10:16:07
Angela, I've been a vegetarian for years and years.
I have never had a problem with not getting enough iron.
I eat legumes, eggs, yoghurt, every fresh vegetable that I can find. I always check for iron % in cereals. Raisin Bran has 25% of daily requirement in a serving.
http://www.vrg.org/nutrition/iron.htmBabblemail me if I can help you again. Pat
Posted by llurpsienoodle on November 17, 2008, at 18:26:54
In reply to Re: Is anyone here a vegetarian? » Angela2, posted by fayeroe on November 17, 2008, at 13:22:54
Hi angela,
I'm not a vegetarian.I don't much get along with iron supplements, but Feosol, Carbonyl Iron is a different chemical with fewer gastrointestinal side effects.
Same as anything else- eat a good variety of healthy things and take a multivitamin (and Omega3!) when in doubt
(at least SOMEONE is eating her vegetables!)
Posted by Angela2 on November 17, 2008, at 20:12:57
In reply to Re: Is anyone here a vegetarian?, posted by llurpsienoodle on November 17, 2008, at 18:26:54
Thanks everyone for the replies. My worries are now assuaged, lol. OK, so I will check out the website links and possibly talk to my doctor. Thanks again. You guys sure are smart! :D
ps- Manic, carnivores are evil! jk :)
Posted by Kath on November 18, 2008, at 19:39:08
In reply to Is anyone here a vegetarian?, posted by Angela2 on November 17, 2008, at 10:16:07
> I recently became a vegetarian. My brother said that someone he knows was a vegetarian and they got an iron deficiency. Now I'm a little worried. I know there are other things you can eat, but is it enough?
Hi Angela. I've been a vegetarian for almost 40 years. And I've never had an iron deficiency.
I think it's a good idea to take a good multiple vitamin-mineral daily. I make a point of sometimes getting one without Iron. I've read that we can get TOO much iron & a buildup of too much isn't good.
It's very important for vegetarians to make sure they get B-12. The sublingual kind (dissolve under your tongue) are the best assimilated.
It's important to know how to combine foods to get complete proteins. Meat is a complete protein (has all 8 amino acids present). Certain food can be combined to provide all 8 amino acids. Grains & legumes are one of those combinations. I had a dietician tell me that if one has dairy at any meal it will combine with whatever amino acids are present to make a complete protein.
Do you have dairy? I have no meat, poutltry, fish or eggs. I do eat dairy.
I suspect there are some good books at the library. I think Diet for a Small Planet is probably a good book regarding vegetarianism.
Do you eat tofu? I love using tofu in cooking. It has zippo taste itself, so you can do TONS of things with it. Let me know if you want ideas. I know I posted my tofu-spinach-souffle recipe for "Jo" over the past 2 years sometimes. Maybe the archives would have it. It's yummy.
Please feel free to ask me if you have any questions or concerns.
:-)) Kath
Posted by Kath on November 18, 2008, at 19:45:19
In reply to Re: Everyone, posted by Angela2 on November 17, 2008, at 20:12:57
She was raised a vegetarian. She knew that many other people did eat meat & that meat was from dead animals.
One time, when she was about 4, our little cat went missing. She never did turn up & my poor little girl was upset because, "Mommy, maybe someone ATE her!!"
:-(( Sorta cute though. I assured her that she didn't need to worry because people don't eat cats. (I didn't mention that in some countries they might.)
Kath
Posted by Angela2 on November 19, 2008, at 16:36:04
In reply to Re: Is anyone here a vegetarian? » Angela2, posted by Kath on November 18, 2008, at 19:39:08
Kath, thanks for all the info. Didn't know you were a vegetarian. But I guess I could have guessed when you posted those tofu recipes :p
I eat fish, eggs, and dairy.
Angela
Posted by Kath on November 20, 2008, at 12:23:22
In reply to Re: Is anyone here a vegetarian? » Kath, posted by Angela2 on November 19, 2008, at 16:36:04
> Kath, thanks for all the info. Didn't know you were a vegetarian. But I guess I could have guessed when you posted those tofu recipes :p
>
> I eat fish, eggs, and dairy.
>
> Angela~ ~ - Angela eggs have iron in them. And so do various types of fish, particularly clams & oysters.
:-) Kath
Posted by fayeroe on November 20, 2008, at 12:55:45
In reply to Re: Is anyone here a vegetarian? » Angela2, posted by Kath on November 20, 2008, at 12:23:22
> > Kath, thanks for all the info. Didn't know you were a vegetarian. But I guess I could have guessed when you posted those tofu recipes :p
> >
> > I eat fish, eggs, and dairy.
> >
> > Angela
>
> ~ ~ - Angela eggs have iron in them. And so do various types of fish, particularly clams & oysters.
>
> :-) KathAngela, I should have told you that I eat fish. Particulary Talipa as it can be prepared so many different ways.
Posted by yxibow on November 25, 2008, at 0:48:53
In reply to Re: Is anyone here a vegetarian? » Kath, posted by Angela2 on November 19, 2008, at 16:36:04
> Kath, thanks for all the info. Didn't know you were a vegetarian. But I guess I could have guessed when you posted those tofu recipes :p
>
> I eat fish, eggs, and dairy.
>
> AngelaAha, so you're a pescetarian ;)
Yes, I'm a vegetarian too... a vegan actually. I have been for 16 years. The B-12 issue has been way overblown as B-12 has been added to most enriched soy milks for years and can be survived on without for a period of time. Anyhow I've taken a multivitamin for good measure pretty much all along. Most multivitamins include iron except those intended for children as they can overdose seriously.
I generally get a fair amount of protein from soy, and some from seitan (wheat protein) and if I find Gardein, which is wonderful stuff, its a mishmash of a lot of proteins so its pretty much the same. Its the spinoff of Yves Cuisine, and they've been making vegetarian stuff in a building in suburban Vancouver (yes I actually visited that area once in college) for years.
But I can be a junk food vegan, I know when I go out that things aren't going to be vegan too, I get the veggie burger at Burger King and their fries have been lard free for years, advertised.
And when I go to restaurants I also defer a bit to whatever I can get to be social with people. I do request not going to a complete steakhouse because there's relatively nothing but a $20 plate of steamed vegetables which I find kind of insulting and it has no protein anyhow to speak of.
I'm not a PETA person, I do try to not wear leather when I can but with arthritis/dystonia, feet come first. And people come first -- I believe in animal testing for medications, to whatever degree is necessary and the animals if needed to be autopsied have followed laws of humane euthanization.
There is no way of avoiding animal testing for some medications, that's the way it is, even if people think that simulations can be done.
Simulations are done before a molecule is centered upon on computers for a number of things but once something interesting strikes, it has to be tested at least on mice first to see what is a result.
So no, you won't find a militant vegan here, but if someone is interested in my vegetarian lifestyle, they're more than welcome to have a conversation with me -- I won't bring it in anyone's face.
Although I'd appreciate if someone takes a breathmint or something should I be so entitled to a kiss after eating some grilled venison. :)
Its a challenge to relationships, if one is completely vegetarian and the other is a total carnivore. Sometimes people "convert" (goodness, this sounds like a religion) And as I described, it doesn't reach that status for me.
I guess its for ethical reasons, but also for the health benefits as a secondary result.
-- best wishes
Jay
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