Anemia affects more than 3 million Americans, and the most prevalent form is iron deficiency anemia.
Iron is a critical nutrient for the body and an immediate concern for those with this condition. Other people can become iron deficient as well, especially menstruating women.
Getting enough iron doesn’t have to be complicated, but if you don’t eat much meat, it’s particularly important to understand the differences between iron that comes from animals and iron that comes from plants.
These different sources are absorbed differently, which can affect long-term health—whether you suffer anemia or not.
Heme Versus Non-Heme Iron
Non-heme iron comes from plant-based foods such as whole grains, nuts, seeds, beans, and greens. Heme iron comes from animal-based foods such as meat, poultry, and seafood….