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Infants
Adolescents
Pregnant/
breastfeeding women/women in reproductive years
Other people
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Why do we need iron?
The main role of iron within the body is to
carry oxygen around the body to supply it to tissues
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Which
foods contain iron?
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Lean
red meat is the best source of iron, which is also found
in chicken and fish. It can also be found in green vegetables,
fortified breakfast cereals, bread, pulses, dried fruit
and nuts.
Iron absorption from food is enhanced
by vitamin C. |
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What
happens if there is not enough iron in your diet?
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Iron
deficiency is one of the most commonly occurring nutrient
deficiencies in the UK. It can affect many functions of
the body, including, thermogenesis (heat production),
infection and immunity, and mental and motor development
in children(1). |
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The
groups most at risk from becoming deficient in iron are
those that are experiencing rapid growth, such as: |
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Children |
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Teenagers |
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Pregnant
and menstruating women |
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Others
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There
are many aspects to a healthy lifestyle for people of
all ages, but it is essential for everyone to enjoy a
balanced diet.
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Reference
1. British Nutrition Foundation. Iron: nutritional
and physiological significance. 1995
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