Acidic foods with a high moisture content that are simmered for a long time, such as chili or spaghetti sauce, gain more iron than foods prepared quickly, such as a fried egg. Iron deficiency is the most common nutritional deficiency. It is also the most common cause of anemia among children and women during childbearing years in the United States and worldwide. Iron deficiency can be caused by a poorly balanced diet, injury, hemorrhage, or illness. Groups considered most at risk are infants, teenage girls, pregnant women, and the elderly.
Pregnant teenagers are frequently at very high risk.
The final stage of iron deficiency is anemia. Anemia is caused by a deficiency in the size or number of red blood cells or the amount of hemoglobin they contain. Thus, anemia limits the exchange of oxygen and carbon dioxide between the blood and tissue cells. Symptoms of anemia include fatigue, weakness, and poor health. Include a source of vitamin C in your meals often.