iron

Question 1

what are the forms of iron

Answer 1

haem iron: also known as ferrous iron. easily absorbed by the body

-non-haem iron: also known as ferric iron. not easily absorbed by the body it must be changed into ferrous iron to be easily absorbed

Question 2

what are the sources of iron

Answer 2

-red meat

-poultry

-eggs

-offal

Question 3

what is the recommended dietary allowance of iron

Answer 3

children and adult males- 10mg

teenagers and adult females- 14mg

pregnancy and lactation- 15mg

Question 4

what are the biological functions of iron

Answer 4

-makes red blood cells and forms haemoglobin , a red protein pigment found in red blood cells responsible for carrying oxygen around the body

-forms part of myoglobin, which carries oxygen to the muscles for energy

-works with enzymes to release energy from food

Question 5

what are the effects of deficiency of iron

Answer 5

-anaemia may occur due to a lack of haemoglobin and red blood cells, causing a reduction in the oxygen levels in the blood. symptoms include tiredness, pale skin, shortness of breath and dizziness

-muscle fatigue due to a lack of oxygen. this decreases athletic performance

-the body has less energy

Question 6

what are the factors that assist iron absorption

Answer 6

-consuming haem iron and non-haem iron together increases non-haem iron absorption

-consuming food high in vitamin C with non-haem iron chemically changes non-haem iron to the more easily absorbed haem iron

-acidity from hydrochloric acid in the stomach chemically changes non-haem iron to the more easily absorbed haem iron

Question 7

what are the factors that hinder iron absorption

Answer 7

-tannins present in tea and coffee bind to iron, inhibiting absorption

-excess dietary fibre binds to iron, inhibiting absorption

-phytic acid in wholegrain bread and seeds binds to iron, inhibiting absorption

-oxalic acid in rhubarb and spinach binds to iron, inhibiting absorption