Why do they bother fortifying cereals with iron?

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SUMMARY

The discussion centers on the fortification of cereals with iron, highlighting that while milk can slightly inhibit iron absorption, fortified cereals like Wheaties still provide significant iron intake. Participants shared creative ways to consume cereal, including mixing it with fruits and protein powder. The conversation also noted the differing iron requirements between men and women, emphasizing that women need more iron due to physiological differences, while men should be cautious of iron overload. The 'iron cycle' in humans remains complex and not fully understood.

PREREQUISITES
  • Understanding of human iron metabolism
  • Knowledge of dietary sources of iron
  • Familiarity with cereal fortification practices
  • Awareness of nutritional differences between genders
NEXT STEPS
  • Research the effects of dairy on iron absorption
  • Explore the nutritional benefits of various fortified cereals
  • Investigate dietary recommendations for iron intake by gender
  • Learn about the iron cycle and its implications for health
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Nutritionists, dietitians, health-conscious individuals, and anyone interested in optimizing their iron intake through diet.

Raizy
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Doesn't milk block the absorption of iron? :confused:
 
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Only a little bit, you still get more iron from the fortified cereal.
Or you could just eat steak for breakfast!
 
I wish I could eat stake every day... my favorite.
 
Some of us don't put milk in our cereal, because it makes it soggy. :wink:
 
My understanding is that the 'iron cycle' in people is incompletely understood, but our daily requirement is very low:

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Human_iron_metabolism

You can 'recover' the iron in fortified cereal really easily (I used Wheaties)- crunch it up really well, add lots of water, and then stir the glop with a magnet. My kids and I did it one morning for fun.
 
Moonbear said:
Some of us don't put milk in our cereal, because it makes it soggy. :wink:

Okay, I'll bite. What do you put in your cereal? If you eat it dry, what cereals?
 
Mashed up banana is nice
 
mgb_phys said:
Mashed up banana is nice

Dry with mashed up banana? You folks are getting a bit weird on me. Still, I have cereal in the pantry, and bananas on the hanger... Dare I?
 
A small bowl of Musilex cereal with vanilla yogurt and fresh sliced strawberries or blueberries, sprinkled with two tablespoons of whey protein powder topped off with raisons is yummy and healthy.:smile:
 
  • #10
berkeman said:
Dry with mashed up banana?
Granola or muesli works - cornflakes don't!
 
  • #12
On a serious note, women need more iron in their daily diets than men do. Because of our different physiology, men can in their middle years can develop hemochromatosis-iron overload, since they do not require as much iron. Because iron is added to more than just cereal and protein intake also increases iron; men should pay attention to their intake of iron. Taking a 'mens' multi-vitamin is better than a regular one as iron is not added to that formulation.
 

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