FSSAI restricts the use of Heme Iron
Effective 31st May 2017, FSSAI restricts the use
of Heme Iron as the source of iron in any food or food Ingredients. As per Food
Safety and Standards Act (2006) section 16 (5), FSSAI directs the food safety commissioners
and authorities on the use of Iron sources in the food & food ingredients.
Heme Iron
There are two types of Dietry Iron :
Heme Iron and Non-Heme Iron. Heme Iron is derived from animals and Non-Heme
Iron is derived from plants. Heme Iron are the components of Hemoglobin and
Hemoprotein. Red meat is a great source of Heme Iron. Meat, Fish , poultry
consists of Heme Iron. Wherein Non-heme irons are predominantly found in
Grains, Nuts, Fruits and vegetables. Non-Heme Irons are the irons majorly consumed
by Humans through their diet and medicines. It is mainly found in plant based foods,
fortified foods and the Iron pills.
The absorption rate is much higher in
Heme Iron than the Non-heme iron. Hence Heme-Iron plays a major role as a supplement
for people with Iron deficiency. In the meantime, research proves that Red meat
and meat products are associated with a risk of colorectal cancer which could
lead to death and coronary heart diseases. This is because Heme-iron in
spite of having high absorption rate, the body seems to treat both types of
irons differently. The body can control the absorption of non-heme irons from
the plants effectively than the iron from meat. This leads to accumulation of
excess of iron in the human body which causes life threatening diseases to
humans.
It is widely observed and analyzed
that diet with good intake of non-heme irons impacts the overall health of the humans.
We are aware Iron is a great source for a healthy life. But understanding
the difference between two diet irons and balancing the diet with good intake
of non-heme iron from plant sources and by limiting the heme iron could save us
from iron-related health threats.
There is a tamil saying “Alavukku meerinal amirthamum nanju”
(Even elixir turn poisonous when taken in excess).
Jenifer Edward
Jenifer Edward
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