Iron is an essential nutrient that is required for a number of important reasons including brain function and oxygen transport. Many people are iron deficient and it is the most common nutritional deficiency in the world. Iron is found in both plants and animals, and dietary source of both can supply iron. However, the iron in animal flesh is more bioavailable than that found in plants. Studies suggest that the iron in plants is not well absorbed, and correcting an iron deficiency with plant foods is often not successful. Vegetarians are therefore in a difficult position because the best source of iron is not available to them. However, eggs contain around 1.2 mg or iron per egg and this is in the bioavailable animal form of the nutrient. Therefore those vegetarians that eat eggs can take advantage of this fact to supply reasonable amounts of iron for metabolic needs. Eggs are also rich in other nutrients, and the yolk of the eggs can supply a wide range of vitamins and minerals as well as providing a good source of ron.
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