Mineral Deficiency in Meat

Meat is generally a good source of all minerals except:

Correct Answer: Calcium

Meat is a good source of most minerals except Calcium. Lean meat is particularly poor in calcium content.

Mineral Content of Meat

• Calcium: Very low in lean meat — dairy products and leafy vegetables are the main dietary sources
• Iron: Meat is an excellent source of haem iron (the most bioavailable form of iron)
• Phosphorus: Good source in meat
• Zinc: Red meat is an excellent source of zinc
• Potassium, Magnesium: Present in decent amounts in meat

Haem vs Non-haem Iron: Iron in meat (myoglobin-bound = haem iron) is 2–3 times more bioavailable than non-haem iron from plant sources. This makes meat especially valuable in preventing iron-deficiency anaemia.