WHAT: An important mineral for maintaining healthy blood.
FUNCTIONS: Iron is the core of haemoglobin present in the red blood cells. It carries oxygen from our lungs to every cell in the body. Lack of iron affects the number of RBCs produced. It is also central to Myoglobin which stores oxygen in the muscles. Iron is crucial for healthy brain development and growth in children
Sources: Heme iron is found in animal source foods like meat, organ meats, seafood and is a better quality.
Non- Heme iron is present in plant based foods like legumes, green leafy vegetables, dry fruits like figs and dates
Some cooking salt is being double fortified with Iodine and Iron
Rupali Datta, RD
Founder Diet Decisions
DDPHN, RD, EXECUTIVE COUNCIL MEMBER IDA
Consultant Nutritionist
