Anyone know of an alternative to cod liver oil?

Question

A friend of mine is having problems with anemia and is taking iron supplements and eating meat, but still having problems. I know that cod liver oil is really good, but she is not so enthusiastic about downing that stuff, and I have to say, I don't blame her. As someone who is sometimes borderline anemic myself, I thought I would see if anyone knows of any kind of supplement alternative to cod liver oil, and preferably something that doesn't taste as nasty. Anyone have any suggestions?

Thank you.

Answer 1

I hate to say it, but eating beef liver (cooked) is a good source of iron.

Answer 2

She should change her diet, of course, and take multivitamins, but as an alternative to cod liver oil, she could try:

Blackstrap molasses, also known as pregnancy tea (1 tbsp. per day in a cup of hot water), is a good source of iron, B vitamins, minerals, and is also a very gentle laxative.

Spirulina, or blue-green algae, has been used successfully to treat both microcytic and macrocytic anemias. Dose is 1 heaping tsp. per day.

Alfalfa (Medicago sativa), dandelion (Taraxacum officinale) root or leaf, burdock (Arctium lappa), and yellowdock (Rumex crispus) have long been used to fortify and cleanse the blood. For mild cases of anemia, they may help bring levels of hemoglobin into normal range. Dosage is 1 tbsp. per cup of water. Simmer roots for 20 minutes and leaves for 5 minutes. A single herb, or a combination of these four herbs, may be used.

She could get all those things at the health food store.