Vegetarian as an anaemic teen?

1 - 4 of 4 posts

Annabel1 NSW • Posts: 1

1 18 Oct 2015

Hi guys!

So I'm thinking about transitioning to vegetarian. Purely for personal health reasons and the obvious ethical concerns.

However, about every 6 months-year I fall into anaemia or I at least have a low iron store level. I would say my iron has always been roughly on the low-side, and it takes a dramatic toll on my energy. I'm getting really sick of the fact that I can't go a day without an afternoon nap and exercise is a lot more difficult than it should be. (Keep in mind I'm 18 years of age as well. It's not a fun young adult lifestyle.)

I'm a bit worried about the lack of iron in red meat that I would be missing out on. Should I be concerned about my iron if I was to transition to vegetarianism? I may even transition with the hopes of eventually becoming vegan.. But I'm not thinking that far ahead just yet.

Any vegetarians who have been able to sustain good iron levels with a plant-based diet? Any advice appreciated. Thank you! chick

+ 1

robert99 Sweden • Posts: 1360

2 18 Oct 2015

Good article with answers and tips!
http://www.nomeatathlete.com/iron-for-vegetarians/

"You can easily get all the iron you need from a healthful plant-based diet. As a matter of fact, the American Dietetic Association and the Dietitians of Canada reported in 2003 that vegetarians generally get more iron than nonvegetarians, and that vegans do best of all. That’s because beans and green leafy vegetableswhich vegetarians and vegans tend to eat plenty of are loaded with iron. And many other foods are iron-fortified (breakfast cereals, for example), as you’ll see on their labels."
http://www.vegetariantimes.com/article/ask-the-doc-iron-how-much-is-enough/

reddapanda ACT • Posts: 381

3 18 Oct 2015

Here are a few informative links...

http://www.vegan.com/iron/

http://www.theveganrd.com/2013/04/iron-nutrition-why-the-rules-are-different-for-vegans.html

http://www.theveganrd.com/2014/09/the-future-of-animal-rights-and-some-vegan-nutrition-tips-for-teens.html

Good on you for wanting to become informed, for looking out for your health and energy levels, and for caring about animals.

chick

+ 1

issled ACT • Posts: 10

4 2 Nov 2015

Hey!

I'm 17, and have been vegetarian for about 5 years, and during that time have become low in a heap of different vitamins/minerals (B12, iron, D, Magnesium).

My advice is, yes, go vegetarian, but make sure you talk to your doctor about high-dosage supplements (especially if you're already anemic), and make sure you keep an eye on your diet. Make sure that you can get what you need from what you're eating; don't just assume that eating lots of leafy greens equals adequate iron intake. happy