Im a vegetarian.....Iron?

im a vegetarian i think i might have restless leg syndrome.... becuase a lack of iron..... is iron JUST in meat? can i get iron from anything else? thanks x

In some people, iron deficiency can cause or worsen restless leg syndrome. However, RLS has a variety of causes, and in many cases is idiopathic-- some individuals just seem to be predisposed to the condition. Some other factors that can aggravate it are anemia due to other causes; pregnancy; drugs that treat nausea, seizures, colds and allergies; use of caffeine, alcohol, or tobacco; and diabetes or other conditions that involve peripheral neuropathy.

Don't assume that your RLS is caused by iron levels just because you're vegetarian. Many vegetarians get plenty of iron in their diet-- I'm a lifelong vegetarian and my levels have always been normal, even through pregnancy. You need to see your doctor and have your hemoglobin tested before you start supplementing iron in pill form.

It can't hurt to go ahead and look for good dietary sources of iron, however. If you find this improves your RLS, this can be something to share with your doctor as you work toward figuring out the pathology and best treatment options.

There are plenty of non-meat sources of iron. In fact, among meats only organ meats like liver and a few types of shellfish are really high in iron. Plus, the type of iron found in meat is less healthy than that found in plant products, and has been linked to hardening of the arteries. Great vegetarian sources of iron are dark leafy greens, particularly spinach; broccoli; seeds like pumpkin or sunflower seeds; beans and lentils; whole grains, especially bran flakes; and canteloupe and watermelon. If you like blackstrap molasses, it is also extremely high in iron; you can use it as a sweetener in cookies, or as a syrup for pancakes and waffles.

Iron tablets - available at any chemist.

Have a look here:
http://www.vegsoc.org/info/iron.html
But I am not sure that iron is the answer to RLS!

Iron tablets could help, or try eating plenty of green leafy vegetables.

Spinch is a good source of iron... or Guinness is if you drink (not too much, mind!).

mushrooms they are meat for vegetarians.. heaps of iron, or take a vitamin suppliment

Try eating green leafy veg..pulses..nuts...quite extensive the sources of iron for vegetarians. Black molasses...soya..

Potassium's what's you need for restless legs, try bananas(helped me).As a veggie you should take extra iron and Vitamin B12.

Green leafy veg and pulses.

Brocolli is a good source.

Iron tablets are the best. I'm vegan, and that's what I use. They really make a big difference.

some breakfast cereals contain extra iron.