A study shows that the high vitamin C and carotenoid content of kiwifruit aids the body's uptake of iron from other food sources.
The study on behalf of Zespri Gold noted that by including two gold kiwifruit with a meal that included iron-rich foods such as beef, chicken, green vegetables or
tofu on a daily basis, you can effectively prevent iron deficiency.
Breakfast is a quick and easy option - combine kiwifruit with an iron-fortified cereal.
Iron deficiency is a global issue and quite common in New Zealand, affecting more than 25 per cent of children under 3, up to 20 per cent of women and 3 per cent of men.
Iron deficiency is also the most common cause of anaemia.
In many cases, people may not be aware that they, or their children, are iron deficient and dismiss the symptoms - fatigue, weakness, lack of concentration, breathlessness, headaches, irritability (adults) and behavioural problems, loss of appetite, repeat infections, failure to grow at expected rate (children).
Dietary management is the first line of prevention and treatment of iron deficiency.
Those particularly at risk of iron deficiency include:
Babies and toddlers (high demand for iron for growth and development of brain, body).
Teenagers (high demand to support growth spurts, physical energy needs and learning and concentration).
Women, including pregnant and breastfeeding women (require greater iron intake to counter iron loss during menstruation and significantly higher levels of iron are required during pregnancy).
Athletes (high demand for oxygenated blood - iron plays a key role in oxygen transportation).
Vegetarians (the body does not absorb iron from plant products as efficiently as from animal foods).
