What is iron?

Iron is an important mineral which is needed by all cells of your body. The majority of our iron is found in the red blood cells, where it helps carry oxygen throughout the body to the organs and muscles.

Small amounts of iron are lost each day, through shedding of skin, cells and whenever you bleed. As the body is unable to make iron, we need to supply our body with iron from iron-rich foods in our diet.

There are two types of iron in food: haem and non-haem iron. Haem iron is only found in meat, chicken and fish, and is easily absorbed. Non-haem iron is found in plant foods, such as vegetables, cereals, beans and lentils, but is not absorbed as well by the body.