Lean red meat eaten at least 3-4 times a week is an important source of essential nutrients for vitality and well-being. Nutrients such as bio-available iron for mental alertness, zinc for boosting the immune system, vitamin B12 for a healthy nervous system and essential amino acids responsible for muscle development are found in lamb and mutton (Van Heerden et al.,2007).

Interesting facts about Iron

1. Vitamin A and iron intake has to be increased simultaneously to alleviate anaemia (Bowley, 2005)

2. Preterm infants are at greater risk for iron deficiency than full term infants as they are born with lower iron stores and grow faster during infancy (White, 2006)

3. Children aged 9 – 18 months are the age group at the highest risk for iron deficiency anaemia (White, 2006)

4. Riboflavin increases the absorption and mobilization of iron and is needed for erythropoeisis. Folic acid and vitamin B12 also play a crucial role in erythropoeisis (Bowley, 2005)

5. Iron deficiency in children leads to poor temperature regulation (Williamson et al., 2005)

6. High levels of phytates, tannins and other fibres in the diet inhibit the absorption of consumed non – heme iron( Bowley, 2005)

Interesting facts about Zinc

1. Zinc deficiency during pregnancy is a common problem and can impact foetal growth and birth weight as zinc plays a critical role in healthy foetal development (Friel et al., 1999)

2. Insufficient zinc during pregnancy may be especially harmful for the development of the immune system of the infants(Meltzer & Fuller, 2005)

3. Maternal consumption of zinc rich foods from animal sources such as lean lamb and mutton has been associated with higher attention scores in newborns (Gibson et al., 1988)

4. High levels of phytates, tannins and other fibres in the diet inhibit the absorption of consumed Zinc ( Bowley, 2005)

References

1. Bowley, A., 2005. Why nutritional anaemia needs a holistic approach. Nutriview. P 9 – 10. ABCommunications
2. Friel, J.K. et al., 1999.Eighteen month follow – up on infants fed evaporated milk formula. Canadian Journal of Public Health
3. Gibson, R.S. et al., 1988. Serum ferritin and dietary iron parameters in a sample of Canadian preschool children. Journal of the Canadian Diet Association. 49 (1) p23 – 28
4. Meltzer, S. & Fuller, C., 2005. Eating for Sport. Struik Publishers. South Africa
5. Van Heerden, S.M., et al., 2007. the nutrient composition of South African lamb (A2 grade). Journal of Food Composition Analysis, available online
6. White, Z. 2006, Iron nutrition in infancy and early childhood. The Specialist Forum. Vol 6. Nr 3. p 43 – 48
7. Williamson, C.S., Foster, R.K., Stanner, S.A. & Buttriss, J.L., 2005. Red meat in the diet. British Nutrition Foundation. Vol 30 p 323 - 355