Conducted a full body test and found I am deficient of iron, vitamin D and B12. Should I consult a GP or Nutritionist? Also, should I take supplements. I already on biotin, finasteride (hair loss)

Dt. Shabnam YeasminDietitian/Nutritionist3yrs exp

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Animal proteins provide you with an easily absorbed form of iron called heme iron. According to the Office of Dietary Supplements, liver, beef, turkey, chicken and pork supply you with heme iron. Women under the age of 50 need at least 18 milligrams of iron daily, while all other adults need at least 8 milligrams of iron per day. Eating more of these iron-rich proteins may help boost your iron levels. Vegetables and Beans If you prefer not to eat meat, some vegetarian proteins contain a form of iron, called non-heme iron. Absorption of non-heme iron is enhanced when it's consumed with vitamin C or a source of heme iron, according to the Centers For Disease Control and Prevention. Including more soybeans, lentils, kidney beans, lima beans, navy beans, black beans and pinto beans in your diet helps you get more non-heme iron. Eating leafy greens, such as spinach and kale, boosts your iron intake as well. Seafood Vitamin D is found naturally in very few foods. The best dietary sources of the vitamin are fatty fish, including cod liver oil, swordfish, salmon, tuna fish and sardines. Oysters, tuna fish, crab, shrimp and halibut supply you with iron as well. Adults under 70 years old need at least 600 international units of vitamin D daily to maintain health. If you're over 70 years old, you'll need an additional 200 international units of vitamin D per day. Including seafood regularly in your diet can help you boost vitamin D levels. Fortified Foods In addition to the naturally occurring sources of iron and vitamin D, certain foods are fortified with the nutrients. According to the U. S. Food and Drug Administration, this means the nutrients are added in standard amounts during food processing to improve the nutritional quality of the food. Including more iron-fortified breakfast cereals, oatmeal and bread helps you meet your need for iron, while orange juice, milk, yogurt, cheese and some breakfast cereals contain added vitamin D. Check the food label to see if vitamin D or iron were added. Vitamin B-12, or Cobalamin, is the largest and most complex vitamin currently known to man. A slight deficiency of vitamin B-12 can lead to anemia, fatigue, mania, and depression, while a long term deficiency can cause permanent damage to the brain and central nervous system. Vitamin B12 can only be manufactured by bacteria and can only be found naturally in animal products, however, synthetic forms are widely available and added to many foods like cereals. Vitamin B12 can be consumed in large doses because excess is excreted by the body or stored in the liver for use when supplies are scarce. Stores of B12 can last for up to a year. Below are the top 10 foods highest in vitamin B12 by common serving sizes, click here for high vitamin B12 foods by nutrient density, here for an extended list of vitamin B12 rich foods, and here for other foods high in vitamin B. For even more see the articles for vegan and vegetarian sources of vitamin B12. #1: Shellfish (Cooked Clams) Vitamin B12 in 100g3oz (85g)20 small clams (190g) #2: Liver (Beef) Vitamin B12 in 100g3oz Serving (85g)Per Slice (81g) #3: Fish (Mackerel) Vitamin B12 in 100g3oz Serving (85g)Per Fillet (88g) #4: Crustaceans (Crab) Vitamin B12 in 100g3oz Serving (85g)Per Leg (134g) 11.5?g (192% DV)9.8?g (163% DV)15.4?g (257% DV) #5: Fortified Soy Products (Silken Tofu) Vitamin B12 in 100g3oz Serving (85g)Per 1/5 package (91g) #6: Fortified Cereals (All Bran) Vitamin B12 in 100gPer Cup (90g)Per Serving (1/3 Cup - 30g) #7: Red Meat (Beef) Vitamin B12 in 100g3oz Serving (85g)Per Medallion (34g) #8: Low Fat Dairy (Skim Milk) Vitamin B12 in 100gPer Cup (245g)Per Quart (980g) #9: Cheese (Swiss) Vitamin B12 in 100g1oz Serving (28g)Per Cup Shredded (108g) #10: Eggs (Chicken?s) Vitamin B12 in 100g (Yolk)Per Yolk (17g)Per Whole Egg (50g) 

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