Experts say that due to the presence of phosvitin and phosvitin in egg yolk, which can combine with iron to form substances with poor solubility and low absorption, the actual absorption rate of iron from egg yolk is less than 3%. Calculated this way, only 0.048 mg of iron can be absorbed from one egg yolk, which is almost negligible. Therefore, if infants only get iron from milk and complementary foods, it is difficult to meet their physiological needs without regularly supplying iron-rich foods such as animal liver or directly adding iron supplements. For example, the iron absorption rate from rice is less than 1%, from vegetables and fruits is 5%, and the iron absorption rate from beans is higher, but only 7%. Milk is a food low in iron, and its absorption rate is also not high.
So, what foods can be eaten to supplement iron? 1. Animal liver Animal liver is rich in iron with a high absorption rate, making it the top choice for preventing iron-deficiency anemia in humans. Every 100g of pork liver contains 31.2mg of iron and 20.8mg of protein. Pork liver is also rich in vitamin A and folic acid, making it a relatively comprehensive nutritional source. Liver can be processed into various forms of children's food, such as liver paste, which is convenient for infants to eat. However, pork liver contains relatively high cholesterol, so it should not be consumed in large quantities at one time.
2. Animal blood Every 100g of chicken blood contains 28.3mg of iron and 10.1mg of protein. In addition to iron, chicken blood also contains various nutrients such as zinc, amino acids, and protein. The iron and lysine content in chicken blood is very high and is easily absorbed by the human body. The iron utilization rate in animal blood such as pig blood, chicken blood, and duck blood is 12%. If attention is paid to cleanliness and hygiene and it is processed into blood tofu for supply to collective childcare institutions, it can be a cheap and convenient food for preventing iron-deficiency anemia in children.
3. Various lean meats Although the iron content in various types of red meat is not as high as people might imagine, the iron in lean meat has a high utilization rate and is easy to purchase and process, so it is also one of the foods for iron supplementation.
4. Sesame paste Every 100g of sesame paste contains 58mg of iron, and it is also rich in calcium, phosphorus, and fat. Adding sesame paste to various infant foods is very popular with children.
5. Fungus and mushrooms Fungus and mushrooms have a very high iron content, especially fungus, which contains 185mg of iron per 100 grams. Since ancient times, people have regarded it as a good food for nourishing the blood. In addition, aquatic products such as kelp and seaweed are also better foods for preventing and treating iron-deficiency anemia in children.
6. Foods rich in vitamin C Although foods rich in vitamin C do not directly provide iron to the human body, they can increase the utilization rate of iron-containing foods by the human body.