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Anemia: What foods help prevent or treat it?

What is anemia?

Anemia – or “weak blood” – may sometimes be caused by a lack of iron in your diet. You can avoid iron-deficiency anemia by eating foods with a lot of iron and vitamin C every day.  

Keep reading for a list of iron-rich food and tasty recipes.

Nutrition label

How to get information when shopping for food

Did you know?

When buying packaged food, look for those that have more than 15% DV (Percent Daily Value) of iron by checking the Nutrition Facts label.  

Îyimîchim - good sources of iron

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    Moose meat
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    Moose meat
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    Roast duck
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    Duck
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    Braised ptarmigan
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    Ptarmigan
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    Trout
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    Trout
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    Goose
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    Goose
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    Caribou legs
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    Caribou
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    Goose liver with blueberries
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    Goose liver

Other good sources of iron

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    Beef
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    Beef
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    Chicken
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    Chicken
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    Pork
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    Pork
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    Pablum
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    Pablum
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    Cream of wheat
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    Cream of wheat
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    Shreddies
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    Shreddies
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    Baked beans
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    Baked beans
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    Is potato
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    Is potato
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    Green peas
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    Green peas
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    Pea Soup with Ham
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    Pea Soup with Ham
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    Oatmeal with blueberries
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    Oatmeal
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    Spinach
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    Spinach
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    Peanuts
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    Peanuts
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    Raisins
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    Raisins
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    Eggs
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    Eggs
Mother and grandmother with baby who is breastfeeding

Which food is best for babies?

  • Breast milk is the best food for babies up to 6 months old

  • After 6 months, breast milk alone does not provide enough iron

  • They can eat iron-rich solid foods like traditional meats, fresh meat from the store, and iron-enriched baby cereals (like Pablum)

  • Continue to breastfeed while you introduce solid foods to your baby

  • Cow’s milk should not be introduced until your baby turns 1 year old

Tasty recipes high in iron

Who is affected the most by weak blood?

Did you know?

Iron-deficiency anemia usually affects:

  • babies
  • women who menstruate (get their period)
  • pregnant women

Good sources of iron

Contact the nutritionist at your local CMC for personalized information on how to prevent and treat anemia by adding more iron to your diet.

Explore more

Nutrition counselling can take place in an individual session or in a group/workshop setting (such as a cooking class).  

ᐋ ᓅᔖᓂᐦᐋᐅᓱᓈᓅᒡ

The breastfeeding program provides information and support to breastfeeding mothers, including helping them to ensure successful breastfeeding.

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