Iron deficiency is by far the most common nutrient deficiency world-wide, affecting around 25% of the global population and almost half of all pre school children. That’s very concerning considering that iron deficiency can lead to chronic disease, cancer, heart failure and inflammatory bowel disease.
In children iron deficiency can cause serious developmental delays and behavioural problems.
Many vegetarians are iron deficient, which is a risk factor for type 2 diabetes. Heme iron found in red meat is by far the most absorbable kind of iron. It has been shown to be 2-3 times more absorbable compared with plant based iron.
In New Zealand iron deficient hospitalisations have doubled in the last 10 years. This has coincided with the decline of red meat consumption in NZ. Vegetarianism is up 30% in NZ and for those that do eat meat more and more are opting for chicken and other white meats. Beef and Lamb consumption is dramatically down.
As a comparison 1.4-7 percent of plant based iron can actually be absorbed. In red meat it’s around 20%
I’m not anti-vegetarian but I am anti-nutrient. Red meat has unfortunately been turned into a villain with statements of red meat causes fill in the gap or cows are killing the planet. These statements are simply NOT TRUE. There is a lot of financial gain to be made by corporations pushing vegetarianism and veganism. Meatless Mondays and other meatless propaganda is going to do far more harm than good.
For those interested to look beneath the surface. Check out the documentary Sacred Cow on itunes
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