Can eating more steak and burgers fix iron deficiency? New research reveals red meat’s power to lift hemoglobin levels in women—but there’s a catch. Study: Effect of Increasing Red Meat Intake on Iron Status in Adults with Normal and Suboptimal Iron Status: A Systematic Literature Review and Meta-Analysis of Intervention Studies . Image Credit: Elena Eryomenko / Shutterstock Researchers at Dublin City University, Ireland, conducted a systematic review and meta-analysis of intervention studies that investigated the effect of increased red meat intake on iron status in adults.
The review article published in the journal Nutrition Reviews provides useful information on dietary interventions for controlling iron deficiency. Background Iron deficiency is the most prevalent nutrient deficiency worldwide, affecting approximately 25% of the world's population. It is associated with a range of health adversities, including fatigue, cognitive impairment, and reduced physical ability and productivity.
Researchers noted that in addition to iron, red meat provides other nutrients like zinc and B vitamins that may contribute to improvements in hemoglobin, though how much these nutrients influence iron status remains unclear. Most importantly, iron deficiency is a leading cause of anemia, which, in severe form, can cause lethargy, breathlessness, impaired growth and development, and adverse pregnancy outcomes. Factors that increase the risk of iron deficiency include consuming diets w.
