no, i can resolve this with logic.

if the problem is that i can't absorb the elemental iron due to phytates or oxalates or something (and, again, that seems like a myth, but....) then consuming heme iron instead is supposed to be a workaround for that. so i can test to see if this is genetic or not (which is what i ought to be testing, first) by leapfrogging the counteractions and jumping to the heme. the counterexample is apparently calcium, so i'm going to want to separate the heme from the calcium as i'm testing. but, my concern ought to be getting it up asap, not fucking around with methodical approaches designed to pinpoint the problem precisely. i can't yell eureka from my deathbed.

so, i'm going to get a few more containers of anchovies when i'm out at least and go from there. yes, i'm concerned about the mercury. but, cow is pretty bad for you, too. and, anchovies have a number of other benefits...

if i stick with the anchovies for a while and notice it start reversing a little, i'll at least know that that works - that i am able to absorb some iron, and it's not just that my body is shutting my intake down. and, then, i can look at experimenting with different approaches.

for example, if i put a little heme in the fruit bowl, will it help me absorb the substantive elemental iron in the cereal? but, what's a reasonable way to do that? the only answer i have right now is a supplement...but let's put that on hold...

no, i can't separate the anchovy from the calcium, right now - not in the pasta bowl. the caesar dressing contains cheese & soy and the bowl is full of vegetables and fruits. nor am i going to stomach eating the anchovy by itself. no - this will need to be a later step.

if i'm concerned about getting some heme right now then the best thing to do is get a little salami for the eggs. that's again not something i want to stick with, but it'll help me pinpoint the problem, for now.

and, if it doesn't work - like i think it won't - then we'll take the next step, from there. i mean, i was eating salami back when i was shivering at the hospital...

i've been eating genoa salami, which is pork. i used to eat hungarian salami...also pork. is there a beef salami i can look at instead? is there a big difference, really?

so,

1) separate calcium from heme.

2) try to take salami with grapefruit juice before the eggs to start.

3) if it comes up even a little, i'll know i can absorb it and go from there.