How Taking Antacids & Eating Whole Grains Can Worsen Anemia

Many people assume whole grains are healthy for them. In many cases, that is absolutely true. Whole grains reduce risks of heart disease, stroke, cancer, diabetes and obesity. They are among the foods which can lower the risk of heart attacks or certain types of cancer, including colon cancer. But, like so many foods, they can be a problem for some people, including those who tend to be low in iron. Most of these people are female. People who take antacids or who have low amounts of stomach acid (common in the elderly) can also have issues with iron deficiency, according to whfoods.org's page at www.whfoods.com/genpage.php

Some Foods, Drinks and Drugs Contribute to Anemia

For most people. whole grains are not a problem. However, 10 to 25 percent of the population, mostly women, are low in iron. For these people, proper use of whole grains and other foods and drugs can make a huge difference in how much iron is absorbed. Some fruits, vegetables and whole grains contain phytates and phytakes reduce iron absorption. These foods include wheat, oats, soy and soy milk. Green or black teas, chocolate, spinach (yes, spinach!) and carbonated soft drinks also interfere with iron absorption.

For this reason, these foods and beverages, which normally are healthy for the majority of the population, may lead to reduced iron absorption in vulnerable individuals. People at higher risk include women, especially pregnant woman and those with heavier menstrual bleeding than usual. Iron absorption is also increased in children during rapid growth periods. Parents might want to monitor their children's iron levels at these points or ask their doctors if they need to.

The reason why these foods and drinks interfere with iron absorption is because the phytates in whole grains and the oxalates found in spinach and chocolate keep iron from being absorbed through the digestive tract. Phosphates in sodas are the culprit there.