What does Iron do?
Iron has a very important function.
a) Iron binds with hemoglobin, the protein in red blood cells that carries oxygen from the lungs to the rest of the body.
b) Smaller amounts of iron are found in myoglobin, a protein that help supply oxygen to muscle.
c) Cells that fight infection depend on adequate stores of iron. This means if your iron stores are low, your body is more prone to infections.
d) Iron is essential in chemical reaction that produce energy from food. Therefore, if your iron levels are low, your body may no be able o use all the energy available.
What does Vitamin C do?
a) Vitamin C is an antioxidant and can protect your body from free radicals, which may cause heart disease and cancer.
b) Vitamin C is responsible for producing collagen. collagen is present in our muscles and bones. It is responsible for holding the cells together.
c) Vitamin C helps your immune system. It helps you heal from scrapes and bruises.
d) Vitamin C also keeps your gums healthy. People with lack of Vitamin C often develop black, swollen gums otherwise known as scurvy.
e) Vitamin C is good for protecting the body. When combined with Iron, iron becomes more absorb-able allowing an increased iron intake.
A baby usually gets all of her daily requirement of Iron and Vitamin C from breast milk and/or on iron-fortified infant formula. As your baby grows (after about 4 to 6 months) good quality iron rich foods and Vitamin C is usually recommended to be introduced. Foods that are good source of Iron and Vitamin C (but do discuss with Pediatrician regarding daily requirements and in case of allergies)
These Food Charts are available to download (see link below). You can print it and post it on your fridge to guide you on which food to buy or bring it with you on your next trip to the supermarket.
Vitamin C Chart | Iron Rich Food
