The human body needs iron to produce hemoglobin, a substance that helps red blood cells transport oxygen. Without enough iron, a person may feel tired and weak. Dietary sources of iron include plant sources, such as vegetables and beans, and animal foods, including poultry, red meat, and fish. However, plant and animal sources are not equal. The iron in plants, called nonheme iron, is not easily absorbed by the human digestive system. For example, a half cup of cooked spinach contains a healthy dose of over three milligrams of iron. Unfortunately, only five percent of that iron can be used by the body. On the other hand, the iron in animal foods, called heme iron, is better utilized. Heme iron is contained within a ring of protein, which helps the body to absorb it easily.
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Vitamins and Supplements Feature Stories
What You Need to Know About Iron Supplements
By Stephanie Watson
FROM THE WEBMD ARCHIVES
Have you felt exhausted lately? Can you barely make it up the stairs without getting winded even though you're physically fit? If so, you might be lacking in iron -- especially if you're a woman.
Although many people don't think of iron as being a nutrient, you might be surprised to learn that low iron is the most common nutritional deficiency in the U.S. Almost 10% of women are iron deficient, according to figures from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.
Answer:
The main idea of the passage is that the iron is important for our body to make haemoglobin(a red pigment found in blood).And iron in vegetables is not easily absorbed by digestive system but iron from animal food can be easily absorbed by digestive system.