Why do we need iron?

Iron is a mineral essential for good health and wellbeing. It can be found in a range of foods and has three main roles, including to ensure a healthy immune system. The cells that fight infection depend on adequate stores of iron. This means if your iron stores are low, your body is more prone to infections. Click here to find out what the other two main roles of iron are. 

Did you know that suffering from frequent infections is a symptom of iron deficiency? 

If you can tick any of the following boxes, you may be short of iron:
 

• Feel tired or lethargic
• Often irritable or grumpy
• Suffer frequent infections
• Feel the cold
• Tire easily
• Can't concentrate

Four immune-boosting recipes:
 
Did you know, vitamin C boosts non-haem iron absorption? Non-haem iron is found in some plant foods but is less bioavailable than haem iron, found in animal foods (i.e. our body isn't able to use it as efficiently). Vitamin C is found in fruit and vegetables such as citrus fruits, dark leafy greens, broccoli, kiwifruit and fresh herbs. 

Vitamin C helps with iron absorption but will it cure your cold? Read our blog Food as a Remedy for the answer.