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Source
Unknown
Not yet classified by editors
Allergen
No
Role in food
Manufacturers add iron to foods to increase their nutritional value, specifically to help prevent …
What it is
Iron is a mineral that is essential for life. It is naturally found in many foods and is also added to some foods during fortification. In the US, iron is commonly added to refined grain products like flour and pasta to help replenish iron lost during processing.
Why it's used
Manufacturers add iron to foods to increase their nutritional value, specifically to help prevent iron deficiency. It is most often found in enriched grain products such as bread, pasta, rice, and cereals.
Health notes
Iron is an essential nutrient. The FDA considers added iron in enriched grains to be safe and effective for improving nutritional quality. The World Health Organization (WHO) has evaluated iron and its role in nutrition. While iron is vital, excessive iron intake can be harmful. The National Academies of Sciences, Engineering, and Medicine have established upper intake levels for iron for different age groups.
Allergen info
Iron itself is not a major allergen and does not contain gluten. It is not derived from any of the 9 FDA major allergens.
Note:
This site presents label data from USDA FoodData Central for general information. It is not medical advice.
Check the package label; formulations change.