Iron is a mineral that is essential in the formation of hemoglobin, the protein in the red blood cells (RBC's) which transport oxygen from the lungs to all the body's tissues. Poor eating habits may cause decreased RBC production. All anemia is not caused by iron deficiency. The blood bank recommends that if your hemoglobin level is seriously low, repeatedly low, or if you have symptoms of tiredness or easily become out of breath, that you please see your physician.

Eating healthy, well balanced diets help the body to rebuild those immature RBC's. The USDA Recommended Daily Allowance (RDA) for iron are: males 19 years and older - 10mg/day; menstruating females - 12 mg/day. Larger doses may be toxic and should only be taken under a physicians guidance. Some iron rich foods are listed below.

Iron Content of Some Foods (in mg)

FOOD	AVERAGE MG IRON
NUTS	Cashews 1/4 cup	2.0
	Almonds 1/4 cup	1.2
	Peanuts 1/4 cup	0.5
	Pistachios 1/4 cup	0.4
Meat (3.5 oz serving)	Beef Liver, fried	5.7
	Beef	3-4
	Lamp Chop, broiled	1.8
	Shrimp	1.8
	Chicken Drumstick, roasted	1.2
	Chicken Breast, roasted	1.0
	Pork	1.0
	Fish, average	0.5
	Tuna, canned	0.4
Non Meat	Spinach 1 cup	2.0
	Beans 1/2 cup	1.6
	Egg	1.0
	Raisins 1/4 cup	0.8