iron foods haem non-haem
2 min read
Iron is a component of haemoglobin in red blood cells and is essential to transport oxygen around the body. Iron deficiency occurs in stages - from depleted stores (iron deficiency) all the way through to iron deficiency anaemia which is when our body hasn’t been able to make enough red blood cells due to a lack of iron...

This lack of oxygen circulating around our body often feels like fatigue. However, it can also present as regular infections or illnesses and if you are pregnant or a child, it can cause decrease growth in the foetus and the child.                    

 

Traditionally in modern Australia, most dietary iron comes from red meat, and the redder the meat, the more iron it contains. This means that beef and lamb have met a large portion of our iron needs. However, more sustainable meat such as kangaroo is also a great source.

 

Did you know the team of Accredited Practising Dietitians and Nutritionists can answer your questions about how to meet iron requirements? Become a member to access the team.

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