With World Iron Awareness Week (October 14-20) fast approaching, there is good reason to draw attention to the ongoing issue of iron deficiency in Canada. Recent national research (2023) reveals that more Canadians are struggling with iron deficiency than previously reported, highlighting the value of iron-rich foods, such as beef, in Canadian diets.
Iron deficiency can have severe implications for both short-term and long-term health. Statistics show that nearly 30 per cent of Canadian women aged 19-50 are affected by iron deficiency, with this number likely to affect more than 50 per cent during pregnancy. For adolescent girls aged 14-18, the rate is 27 per cent.
"Canadian research has found that eating red meat is the strongest dietary predictor associated with better iron status in women," says registered dietitian Karine Rekunyk. "As correcting low iron levels can take several months or longer, people at higher risk for low iron need to include iron-rich foods, like beef, at most meals to help prevent iron deficiency."
Source : Newswire.ca