List of Iron-Fortified Foods

Iron-fortified foods have added amounts of the essential mineral iron. To combat iron deficiencies in diets around the world, the mineral is added to processed foods ranging from baby formulas to breakfast cereals. Not to be confused with iron-rich foods, those that contain naturally high amounts of iron, iron-fortified foods are clearly labeled as such and can encompass a wide variety of grains and pastas that enrich the diet and can help stave off the ailments resulting from low levels of iron.

Baby Formulas and Cereals

• Baby cereals and formulas are iron-fortified.

  In a paper by David L. Yeung published by the United Nations University Press, Yeung suggests that infancy is a critical period of human growth in which children need more nutrients and minerals than any other point in the life cycle. Even in developed countries, where dietary deficiencies are far less common, he states that about 15 percent of infants are iron-deficient. To combat the lack of iron in children's diets, infant formula and baby cereals are often fortified with iron that is accessible and easy to absorb. Kid's Health recommends following iron-fortified formula with fortified cereals until the child is up to 24 months old to ensure children receive enough iron.

Bread, Pasta and White Rice

• Bread is often enriched with iron.

  Breads, pastas and rice undergo a refining process that strips the foods of some of their natural nutrients, including iron. As a result, companies fortify the refined grains and wheat with additional iron and other nutrients like thiamine and riboflavin. According to an article in the Journal of Nutrition from Iowa State University, "cereal flours, wheat and maize are ... the most common vehicles for iron fortification to reach the general population." Fortified breads and enriched pastas are clearly labeled and offer iron content with the nutrition information printed on the package.

Breakfast Cereals

• Cereals can offer a third of the daily requirement of iron in a single serving.

  Ready-to-eat breakfast cereals, oatmeal and grits are often fortified with iron. In fact, an Ohio State University fact sheet on iron nutrition states that fortified cereals can provide 4.5 mg to 7 mg of iron, up to 39 percent of the daily recommended dietary allowance. A fortified serving of prepared oatmeal offers the same benefit. Fortified breakfast cereals can offset the low levels of iron that can result from a diet high in cow's milk. Kids Health states that a toddler's diet high in cow's milk can lead to iron deficiency because the milk is low in iron and it decreases the rate of iron absorption in the body.