Dietary Availability of Iron in Milligrams Per Person Per Day

Iron is a vital nutrient for human health, playing a key role in oxygen transport and energy production. The availability of dietary iron varies significantly across countries, reflecting differences in diets and access to iron-rich foods.

Which country has the highest dietary iron availability?

Ethiopia leads globally with a remarkable dietary iron availability of 45.4 mg per person per day, significantly higher than other countries due to the consumption of iron-rich traditional foods.

Top countries by dietary iron availability

1. Ethiopia: 45.4 mg
2. Malawi: 21.8 mg
3. Paraguay: 21.0 mg
4. Philippines: 20.8 mg
5. Sri Lanka: 19.7 mg

How does dietary iron availability vary globally?

African and Asian nations like Ethiopia and Malawi rank highest, reflecting diets centered on iron-rich staples. In contrast, many European and Western nations have moderate to low levels due to differences in dietary patterns and food fortification practices.

Why is iron availability important for health?

Iron deficiency is a common nutritional issue worldwide, leading to anemia and reduced cognitive and physical performance. Countries with higher iron availability typically have better public health outcomes related to iron deficiency.

How do developed countries rank in iron availability?

Developed nations like the United States (13.9 mg) and Canada (12.4 mg) rank moderately due to diverse diets and fortified foods, ensuring adequate iron intake despite lower natural dietary sources.

Which regions have the lowest dietary iron availability?

Countries like the Dominican Republic (4.8 mg) and Ecuador (4.9 mg) have the lowest dietary iron availability, often reflecting limited access to iron-rich foods and dietary diversity.

How does dietary iron availability influence public health?

Regions with low iron availability face higher rates of anemia and related health issues. Improving access to iron-rich foods and fortifying diets are essential strategies for combating iron deficiency.

Global trends in dietary iron availability

While African countries dominate the top rankings, reflecting reliance on iron-rich grains and legumes, many Western countries rely on fortified foods to meet iron requirements. Emerging economies are bridging the gap through improved agricultural and nutritional strategies.

Dietary Iron Availability By Country September 2022 (Mg, September 2022)

Country Mg
1 Ethiopia 45.4
2 Malawi 21.8
3 Paraguay 21
4 Philippines 20.8
5 Sri Lanka 19.7
6 South Africa 18.4
7 Bolivia 18.2
8 United Arab Emirates 17.8
8 Togo 17.8
9 Panama 17.7
9 Burkina Faso 17.7
10 Botswana 17.6
10 Chad 17.6
11 Malaysia 17.3
12 Czech Republic 16.8
13 Angola 16.7
14 Guatemala 16.4
15 Hungary 16.3
15 Belarus 16.3
16 Spain 16.1
17 Syria 15.8
17 Yemen 15.8
18 Zambia 15.7
19 Jordan 15.6
20 Sierra Leone 15.1
21 Azerbaijan 15
22 Uruguay 14.9
23 Cambodia 14.6
23 Mexico 14.6
24 Niger 14.5
25 Slovakia 14.1
26 United States 13.9
27 Austria 13.8
27 DR Congo 13.8
27 Uganda 13.8
28 Ivory Coast 13.7
28 Morocco 13.7
29 Argentina 13.3
30 Qatar 13.2
31 Brazil 13.1
31 Saudi Arabia 13.1
32 Mozambique 12.9
32 Australia 12.9
33 Indonesia 12.7
33 Senegal 12.7
33 Venezuela 12.7
34 Ukraine 12.4
34 Bahrain 12.4
34 Canada 12.4
34 Romania 12.4
35 Ghana 12.3
35 Russia 12.3
35 Tunisia 12.3
36 Denmark 12.2
37 China 12.1
38 Algeria 12
38 El Salvador 12
39 Singapore 11.9
39 Greece 11.9
40 Serbia 11.8
41 Oman 11.7
42 France 11.6
43 Kuwait 11.5
43 New Zealand 11.5
44 Chile 11.4
44 India 11.4
45 Kazakhstan 11.3
45 Nigeria 11.3
46 Poland 11.2
47 Norway 11.1
48 South Korea 10.9
48 Benin 10.9
49 Ireland 10.8
49 Thailand 10.8
49 Laos 10.8
50 Italy 10.7
51 Mali 10.6
52 Portugal 10.5
53 Tanzania 10.4
53 Tajikistan 10.4
53 Rwanda 10.4
54 Bangladesh 10.3
55 Kenya 10.2
56 Uzbekistan 10.1
57 Sweden 10
58 Pakistan 9.8
59 Sudan 9.6
60 Netherlands 9.3
61 Israel 9.2
61 Turkey 9.2
61 Colombia 9.2
62 Myanmar 9.1
62 Nicaragua 9.1
63 Finland 9
64 Nepal 8.9
65 Vietnam 8.8
66 Burundi 8.7
67 Egypt 8.5
67 Germany 8.5
68 Belgium 8.3
68 Bulgaria 8.3
69 Japan 7.4
70 Cameroon 7.3
71 Switzerland 7
72 Madagascar 6.8
72 United Kingdom 6.8
73 Honduras 6.7
74 Haiti 6.6
75 Costa Rica 6.5
76 Peru 6.4
77 Guinea 5.2
78 Ecuador 4.9
79 Dominican Republic 4.8

Data from The Economist

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