Did you know?

• Red meat is unequalled as a source of easily absorbed iron and zinc, and makes a major contribution to selenium and copper intakes.
• Red meat contains a “meat factor” that affects the absorption of iron, zinc and possibly other nutrients, from both meat itself and other foods. For this reason, taking vitamin pills does not fully compensate for a diet low in red meat.
• A recent study of over 400 subjects revealed an average fat intake of just 7.9g from 200g of steak. This is equal to a 246g serving of chicken breast or a 293g serving of wholemeal bread.
• Meat contributes 21% of vitamin D in the diet, much more than first thought. This meat contribution enhances the Vitamin D status and is thought to be responsible for improved bone health. An absence of meat consumption in vegetarian women has been associated with a lower bone mineral density.

Let’s talk iron

Meat is a great source of iron that’s easily absorbed by our bodies.

As well as being vital for growing bodies, iron’s good for our blood and helps carry more oxygen around our bodies. So we have more energy. Here are a few more iron facts:

• Red meat is one of the best food sources of easily absorbed iron
• A government survey has identified that one in three women is iron deficient
• 93% of 16 to 18 year olds consume less than the recommended intake of iron
• One in five of all children aged between 1 and 4 are iron deficient
• The iron in meat is more easily absorbed than iron in fruit, vegetables, cereals and eggs
• Meat helps the absorption of iron from vegetables and cereals eaten at the same meal