Thanks Karen

Actually, that's an old old posting. I've done more reading and research, and have since posted more current information.

A few studies conducted in the mid- to late-1990's suggested that excess stored iron may pose heart disease risk. However, studies done since that time have not been able to duplicate the results of the Finnish and Japanese studies, and in fact more recent studies show the exact opposite to be true .. higher iron levels are associated with LESS risk to heart health, while low levels increase your risk. Folks might want to have a read through this report.

Younger women who are still menstruating are unlikely to have excess stored iron, nor are persons engaged in vigorous exercise, since some iron is lost in sweat.

Eating red meat is not a guarantee that you're getting enough iron. The RDA is 15mg for men, 18mg for premenopause women. A half-pound of lean sirloin steak has only 6 mg of iron in it. A large egg only has 1.6 mg (found only in the yolk). Some vegetables and nuts contain iron, but it's a form that's not as well absorbed as the heme-iron from animal sources. Grains and bran contain phytates which inhibit iron absorption as will fiber supplements such as psyllium husks if taken within a couple hrs of the supplement or iron-rich food.


Doreen