Dietitians urge women to focus on real foods to boost iron

Dietitians urge women to focus on real foods to boost iron

Dietitians are urging New Zealand women to take a good look at the foods they choose to make sure they get enough iron.

Iron deficiency is a common and wide spread nutrition problem around the world. Women and young children (especially toddlers) are most at risk of deficiency, leaving them tired, irritable and lacking in focus.

“These days people hear all sorts of messages about foods to avoid or be ‘free from’. We want people to focus more on enjoying a wide variety of wholesome real foods to get all the nutrients they need. Foods such as meats (especially red meat), fish, eggs, legumes (e.g. baked beans), and green vegetables will provide dietary iron.” says Dietitian Angela Berrill. “Lots of fruits and vegetables are important too as the vitamin C helps iron absorption.”

In New Zealand, over a third of teenage girls and 8 out of ten toddlers don’t meet the recommended daily intake of dietary iron. A lack of iron can leave people feeling tired and more prone to infections. Now going into the cooler months is a good time to focus on boosting dietary intakes.

Dietitians are pleased to support World Iron Awareness Week (13-19th April) aiming to raise awareness of the prevalence and symptoms of iron deficiency and what can be done to increase levels: www.ironweek.co.nz

Anyone concerned about their iron status should see their GP, or for specialist dietary advice see a registered Dietitian.

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