Iron requirements and vegetarian diets

The trace element iron, due to its catalytic and complexing attributes, is indispensable for the maintenance of aerobic processes. As a result of its catalytic function, however, autoxidative events with adverse effects on health may be accelerated. The most important protective mechanism against excessive ingestion the mucosal barrier, limiting the bioavailability of nonheme iron. A model calculation demonstrates that with food of exclusively plant origin, an adequate iron balance of females of reproductive age cannot be maintained, even when ascorbic acid intake is optimal. Similar relationships apply to other vulnerable groups such as infants after ablaction and children in the growing phase, particularly pre-menarche girls. Vegetarian studies confirm these calculations. In countries where dirts are predominantly vegetarian, iron absorption from the total diet rarely exceeds 5 %. Iran is one of the most critical tract elements worldwide. In Germany 11 to 18 % of women between 18 and 54 years have low serum ferritin levels according to the VERA-data, in the USA 5 to 14 %. A meatless diet seems harmless only for women after the menopause and for adult men.