Why do they bother fortifying cereals with iron?

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Discussion Overview

The discussion centers around the fortification of cereals with iron, exploring the reasons behind this practice, its implications for dietary health, and the effects of other food items, such as milk, on iron absorption. Participants share personal experiences and dietary preferences while addressing the nutritional needs of different demographics.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory
  • Debate/contested
  • Conceptual clarification

Main Points Raised

  • Some participants question whether milk inhibits iron absorption, with differing opinions on the extent of this effect.
  • Others suggest that fortified cereals still provide a significant amount of iron, even when consumed with milk.
  • A participant shares a hands-on experiment demonstrating the recovery of iron from fortified cereal, indicating a practical interest in the topic.
  • There is a discussion about personal cereal preferences, including alternatives to milk and various toppings, which diverges into a light-hearted exchange.
  • One participant notes that women generally require more iron than men due to physiological differences, raising awareness of dietary needs.
  • Concerns are expressed regarding iron overload in men, particularly in relation to dietary supplements and iron intake from various sources.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants express a mix of opinions regarding the effectiveness of iron fortification in cereals and the impact of milk on iron absorption. There is no clear consensus on these points, and the discussion remains unresolved.

Contextual Notes

Some claims about iron absorption and dietary needs are based on individual experiences and may not account for broader nutritional guidelines or scientific consensus.

Who May Find This Useful

This discussion may be of interest to individuals concerned about dietary iron intake, nutritionists, and those exploring food science or dietary habits.

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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