Iron sources

Heme iron: It is the part of hemoglobin found in animal foods and dairy products, such as: meat, poultry, fish and seafood. It is the kind of iron with better absorption around 20-25%, since it has no factors inhibiting the absorption (such as fiber).

Non-heme iron: Is the iron that is not part of hemoglobin and can be found in green leafy vegetables, cereals. This kind of iron has a lower absorption of approximately 2-5%.

In some cases where iron absorption is poor, or contribution from diet is not enough, most physicians recommend the intake of iron supplements.