Meat Consumption:
Studies show that men eat more meat, particularly red meat, which is a key source of heme iron, which is more easily absorbed by the body. In contrast, women tend to eat more fruits, vegetables which contain heme iron. Non-heme iron has a lower bioavailability with the body absorbing only 2% to 10%. In comparison to heme iron, which comes from meat can be absorbed up to 35%. This factor can raise the risk of iron deficiency among women.