Iron is found in both red meat and non-meat sources, such as fortified breakfast cereal, dried fruit, bread, and green leafy vegetables. The body does not quite as easily absorb iron from non-meat foods. In contrast, tannins found in tea reduce the absorption of iron. Eat iron rich and vitamin C rich foods together, e.g. choose a glass of fruit juice with a bowl of breakfast cereal rather than a cup of tea. This has serious implications for the future, with respect to bone health.
Osteoporosis is a bone disease that causes bones to become brittle and break very easily.
Bones continue to grow and get stronger until the age of 30 - with the teenage years being the most important for development. Vitamin D, calcium and phosphorous are vital for this process. Calcium requirements for the teenage years range from 800-1000 mg per day. Consuming a pint of milk per day, or eating other dairy products, will ensure a sufficient intake of calcium. Alternatively, try fortified soya milk.