This is because, soy is not only high in iron, but can actually increase the iron absorbed from meat. For example, iron absorption from fermented soyfoods like tempeh is quite good. In addition, vitamin C can increase absorption of iron from soyfoods and other plant foods when consumed at the same time. Including a good source of vitamin C at each meal is a good way for people who eat plant-based diets to make the best use of iron in their diet. Iron absorption is lower from soyfoods than from meats.
Many plant foods are also rich in vitamin C, which enhances iron absorption.
For these two reasons, it is relatively easy to meet iron needs with these foods. The recommended dietary allowance for iron is 10-15 milligrams for adults. Most people, except those on very low fat diets, will have no problem meeting the biological requirement for linoleic acid. The biological requirement for linolenic acid is considerably lower than for linoleic acid, but this fatty acid is much less abundant in foods. Soybean oil and soyfoods are very good sources of this fatty acid.