Which of the following is NOT a good dietary source of iron?

• A. Red meats
• B. Beans
• C. Fortified cereals
• D. Milk

Answer: (D)

Iron in the diet comes in two forms: heme iron from animal foods and non-heme iron from plant foods and fortified products. Heme iron, as found in red meat, is readily absorbed by the body. Milk stands out as not being a good iron source because it contains very little iron and its calcium content can inhibit iron absorption, so the iron that is present is not efficiently taken up. Beans and fortified cereals provide non-heme iron, which can contribute to iron intake, especially when eaten with vitamin C to boost absorption, but overall non-heme iron is less readily absorbed than heme iron.