Meeting Iron needs when on a Low FODMAP Diet

Meeting nutrient needs when following a Low FODMAP Diet:  Iron

Hello everyone!!

We are back! Sorry about the time away but I have been busy getting married and honeymooning but I promise I will be doing more posts now that I am back. Also my last name is now Shorten and no longer Miall.

Today I want to chat about meeting nutrient needs whilst on a Low FODMAP Diet. This is the topic FODMAP Nutrition & Dietetics presented at the recent FODMAP Friendly Seminar Series. In this post I will be focusing on the nutrient Iron (I plan to do more posts focusing on different key nutrients which can be lacking when following a Low FODMAP Diet including calcium and fibre).

Firstly, it must be noted when restricting intake of any food group, individuals are at risk of nutritional inadequacy. The Low FODMAP Diet does not require the complete elimination of any of the five foods groups. However, there is a restriction in the variety of fruits, vegetables/legumes, grains and dairy products when following a Low FODMAP Diet which ultimately puts an individual at risk of nutritional inadequacy. This solidifies the importance of patients working closely with an Accredited Practising Dietitian to ensure that nutrient requirements are being met to avoid the possibility of further health problems due to nutritional inadequacy.

One of the key nutrients that can be at risk when following a Low FODMAP Diet is Iron. Iron is a mineral particularly important for oxygen transport around the body. There are two types of iron: haem (found in animal sources) and non-haem (non-animal sources). Haem sources are more bioavailable though even for non-vegetarians; most iron in the Australian diet comes from plant foods rather than meat. A diet rich in lean meats, wholegrains, legumes, nuts, seeds, iron-fortified cereals and green leafy vegetables provides an adequate iron intake. Many of which are reduced or intake is limited whilst following a low FODMAP diet.

The Estimated average requirement (EAR) is the intake level for a nutrient at which the needs of 50 percent of the population will be met. The EAR for Iron is 6mg/day for men and 8mg/day for women aged 19-50 years and 5mg/day for women aged over 51yrs. The Recommended Dietary/Daily Intake on the other hand is the average daily intake level of a particular nutrient that is likely to meet the nutrient requirements of 97-98% of healthy individuals in a particular life stage or gender group. Therefore, usual intake at or above this level has a low probability of inadequacy. The RDI for men is 8mg/day and 18mg for women aged 19-50yrs and 8mg/day for women over 51yrs. The reason iron requirements change for women over 50 is due to menopause and lack of menstruation in which large amounts of iron are lost.

So what does 8mg or 18mg of iron equate to? What are some high iron yet Low FODMAP Foods?

Above you will see a list of Low FODMAP yet high Iron foods.  Meat is FODMAP free so there in no limit to the serving size in regards to FODMAPs, making it far easier to meet your iron requirements. However, if you are a vegetarian and following a Low FODMAP Diet you can still meet your requirements you just need to know which vegetarian foods are high in iron and low in FODMAPs.

An example of a vegetarian diet meeting 18mg of iron per day (recommendation for women aged 19-50yrs)
Breakfast:
– 35g corn flakes with lactose free milk = 3.0mg

Snack:
– 1 lactose free yoghurt and 30g pepitas= 3mg

Lunch:
-Genius FODMAP Friendly certified 4 Triple Seeded Soft Roll with 25g spinach, 1 hard-boiled eggs, 1 tsp whole egg mayonnaise  = 7.0 mg

Snack:
– 1 banana with 1 tbsp peanut butter = 0.35mg

Dinner:
-Tofu & Quinoa fried rice (recipe below) =  6.0mg

= 19.35mg Iron

Tofu & Quinoa fried rice                              Serves 2

Ingredients
– 1 tablespoon garlic infused olive oil
– 2 spring onions (green parts only, diced
– 4 drops sesame oil
– 200g firm tofu
– 1 cup quinoa, cooked
– 2 eggs
– 1 tablespoon oyster sauce
– 1 tablespoon tamari soy sauce
– 1 teaspoon chilli flakes
– 1 bunch choy sum, diced
– 1 cup broccoli, diced
– 0.5 cup diced red capsicum
– 1 small carrot, diced
– 2 tablespoons toasted peanuts

Method
1. Place a pan on high heat with a spray of oil. Whisk 2 eggs in a bowl and when the pan is hot add the eggs and cook like an omelette. Once one side is cooked, flip the omelette like a pancake and cook the other side. Once cooked, remove from the pan, fold and cut into long thin strips. (If this is too much effort you can always fry an egg and place it on top of the rice at the end).

2. Heat a wok to a medium-high heat and add the olive oil and sesame oil. Once the pan is warm add the spring onion, chilli flakes, capsicum and carrot and stir for a couple of minutes then add the tofu, broccoli and bok choy and stir until softened.
3. Add the oyster sauce, soy sauce and stir in with the vegetables then add in the quinoa and mix thoroughly.
4. Divide the rice into two bowls and top with the omelette and peanuts.

Tips to Increase Iron Absorption

• Consume foods high in vitamin C (citrus fruits and juice, strawberries, kiwi fruit, tomatoes, broccoli) at meals
• Avoid drinking tea and coffee with meals (tannins in tea and coffee inhibit iron absorption)
• Avoid taking calcium supplements with meals
• An iron supplement may be indicated if blood test results show deficiency

 

Signs of Iron Deficiency

Some common signs of iron deficiency are but not limited to:

• Fatigue
• Dark circles under the eyes
• Brittle Nails
• Dizziness
• Shortness of breath

If you are experiencing any of these symptoms it may be a good idea to check in with your doctor and get a blood test.

You must only take iron supplements if directed by your health care professional as iron can be toxic if over consumed.

I hope you found this article interesting.

Until next time,

My name is Atlanta Shorten,

Good Eating!