HEALTH WATCH : PERSONAL HEALTH : Mining for Body’s Iron

If you are exercising, you are probably losing iron in the process, according to recent surveys.

Scientists found that exercise depletes the body of iron. Specifically, it diminishes hemoglobin, which, as you might recall from Biology 101, is the pigment in red blood cells that is responsible for carrying oxygen. (Studies also found that women are at a greater risk of having low iron levels than men.)

Purdue University scientist Connie M. Weaver says exercisers can replenish lost iron by taking iron pills or by making changes in their diets.

The best way is by eating iron-rich foods. A good choice is lean red meat, particularly beef.

Good vegetable sources of iron include beans, grapes, raisins and tomato and apple juices. (To boost the absorption of iron, add citrus fruit to an iron-rich meal.)

Avoid drinking tea when eating iron-rich foods. The tannin found in tea interferes with absorption of iron, one reason it would be better to drink tea between meals rather than with them.