Top sirloin steak contains 1.7 milligrams of iron per 100 grams. Grams is a measure of weight. To put 100 grams in perspective, consider alternative measures for this food:
- 1 piece equals 306 grams.
- 3 oz equals 85 grams.
In the category of beef, we included whole food products in the Top 10 list. Foods may be fortified with iron but are not included in this Top 10 list.The food tested for the particular graph below can be described more specifically as:
Beef, top sirloin, separable lean and fat, trimmed to 1/8″ fat, all grades, cook
Read more about iron in meat or visit our iron-rich foods list.
Meat as a class is a very good high iron food, in particular red meat. Red meat gets its redness, in fact, from the large quantity of iron. People who consume red meat do not generally have an iron deficiency. If you do eat red meat and have low levels of iron, ask your health care provider about your health status because you may have complicating conditions, from your digestive system to high amounts of blood loss.
All meats have a second feature of assisting your body to assimilate iron from fruits, vegetables, grains, and beans. Vegetarian-based iron is typically bound by iron blockers, making it tougher to absorb. A modest portion of meat can allow your body to absorb that iron and carry it into your blood where you need it. Learn more about the role of meat in your iron digestion in this scientific research.