What is Iron & Why is it Important?

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  • Iron is an essential mineral in our body and is a vital component of haemoglobin, a type of protein found in red blood cells that carries oxygen to the body’s tissues.
  • Iron is also a fundamental element for normal development of the immune system.1
  • Iron deficiency can negatively influence the normal defence systems against infections.2
  • Iron deficiency anaemia is one of the most common micronutrient-deficiency diseases worldwide.3
  • However, the great news is Iron can be sourced from many natural foods around us. To ensure that we get an adequate amount of iron, it is recommended that we eat wholesome and balanced diets.

Iron in Quaker Oats

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  • Oats is a well-known cereal grain and named the “Super Grain” because of its unique nutritional value among other grains consumed in the Southeast Asian diets.1
  • Oats contains a wide range of vitamins, minerals, antioxidants and is a great natural source of Fibre, Protein, Carbohydrates and mineral such as Iron.
  • Among several grains that are commonly eaten in the eastern diets (White Rice, Brown Rice, White Bread, Barley and Corn), Oats contain the highest amount of Iron and Zinc.4

Start every day with Quaker Oats

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With a bowl of Quaker Oats every day as your choice of breakfast, you can be sure to start your day with Iron that your body needs. It’s the first meal of the day so it’s the perfect opportunity to get ready for the activities of the day.

Get inspired with delicious and wholesome Quaker Oats recipes here for your daily dose of a variety of natural nutrients, vitamins & minerals including Iron!

References
  1. Brock JH. 1994. Iron in infection, immunity, inflammation and neoplasia. In: Brock JH et al., eds. Iron metabolism in health and disease. p. 353-389. London, W.B.Saunders Company Ltd.
  2. FAO/WHO. 2001. Chapter 13: Iron deficiency. Human Vitamin and Mineral Requirements: FAO/WHO expert consultation on human vitamin and mineral requirements, p. 204 – 208. Bangkok, Rome: Food and Nutrition Division FAO. 
  3. Miller JL. 2013. Iron Deficiency Anemia: A Common and Curable Disease. Cold Spring Harb Perspect Med doi: 10.1101/cshperspect.a011866.
  4. USDA Nutrient Data per 100 g reference amount (Oats-08402, White Rice-20444, Brown Rice-20036, White Wheat Flour-20481, Pearled Barley-20005, and Whole Corn Flour-20016).