However, if for some reason such as alcoholism intestinal cells are damaged, excess iron acts as an oxidant that can start free-radical reactions that can damage cell structure. Iron supplements can be dangerous and should always be kept away from children. Iron supplements are the number one cause of fatal accidental poisonings amoung U.S. children under three years old. HEME iron is found in red meat, dark meat of poultry, black-strap molasses, and egg yolks. Turnip greens, mustard greens, and lentils are good sources.
Absorption is difficult.
Heme iron is absorbed more completely than non-heme iron. However, there is a factor in meat which increases the absorption of nonheme iron eaten at the same meal. Vitamin C is also an iron absorption promoter. There is something in tea which blocks the absorption of iron. Antacids, phytates, and oxalic acid also block absorption.