What inhibits iron absorption?

I am borderline anemic. I'm a 19 year old female. I take 18 mg of iron daily, which is more than the RDA, so obviously something is inhibiting the iron absorption. I eat a lot of whole wheat products, sweet potatoes, white meat, and occasionally green beans or lettuce. I drink water, fruit juice, and soda. Can anyone tell me if anything I eat or drink is inhibiting my iron absorption? Also, what helps improve iron absorption? I know Vitamin C is one thing helps improve iron absorption, and I used to drink orange juice for that, but I can't anymore due to acid reflux. What else is a good source of Vitamin C?

I suggest that you change your iron supplement to Iron Plus C Complex. As you know the C is added for better absorption.

The reason I suggest you change to Iron Pluc C Complex is because in the latter part of her pregnancy the doctor indicated that her iron was low. She started taking the Iron Plus C Complex and she noticed the difference right away with increased energy. At her next appointment her iron levels had improved significantly. She gave birth to a healthy baby and continues to use the Iron Plus C Complex.

Many times vitamins and supplements contain questionable additives, colors, preservatives, harsh binders and fillers.

Key Ingredients: Iron, ferrous fumarate (plant based), Vitamin C and ascorbic acid.

Hope this is helpful and feel free to contact me with questions or if you would like the brand.

I was told that caffeine and tea would inhibit my iron absorption.

If you eat a lot of calcium at the same time you take your iron, it will prevent the iron from being absorbed very well. Eating food rich in vitamin C will help the absoption. Strawberries, and other fruit are good sources of vitamin C. Also, iron is best absorbed by eating foods rich in iron instead of by a pill.
So, eat the iron-rich foods with the vit C foods together. At another meal you can have the calcium-rich foods.