Message #23015

[mccoy]

Steve, I ceased worrying about iron. I survived 40 years without worrying. I was worried a while ago since my food intake was minimal; as a cautionary measure I took supplements sometimes. I discovered though that dietary iron and zinc should respect some proportion, otherwise zinc might be lost when there is an excess of iron. Best supplements are those which have both and in moderate amounts.
The foods we are discussing are a good source of iron and should be enough for adult males. Vitamin C improves its absorption and again homeostasis ensures that when in need the iron is sucked in by the body.

Ladies should be more concerned about iron because of their multiplied needs. The only real danger though comes if the diet is a starvation diet or it has very little variety.  Or if some pathological condition exists which prevents the absorption of iron.