Iron helps the body in many important processes. For example, it is an essential part of haemoglobin, the red pigment in our blood that allows it to carry oxygen around the body.
Red meat is the richest source of iron. The iron in animal sources is absorbed easily by the body.
There is also iron in pulses (such as lentils and beans), dried fruit, green leafy vegetables, nuts and seeds, and in fortified breakfast cereals. The iron in these foods is not so easily absorbed by the body.
If iron levels are low, the amount of haemoglobin in our red blood cells, as well as the number of red blood cells, is reduced. This is called anaemia.
All the tissues and cells in the body depend on oxygen to function properly; if they receive less oxygen, they won't work so well.
On average, adult men need 8.7mg of iron a day. For women the figure is 14.8mg.
Red meat is the richest source of iron. The iron in animal sources is absorbed easily by the body.
There is also iron in pulses (such as lentils and beans), dried fruit, green leafy vegetables, nuts and seeds, and in fortified breakfast cereals. The iron in these foods is not so easily absorbed by the body.
If iron levels are low, the amount of haemoglobin in our red blood cells, as well as the number of red blood cells, is reduced. This is called anaemia.
All the tissues and cells in the body depend on oxygen to function properly; if they receive less oxygen, they won't work so well.
On average, adult men need 8.7mg of iron a day. For women the figure is 14.8mg.
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