Diet plan: Red meat could caused zinc and vitamin D deficiency
Health messages to reduce red meat intakes could prevent women absorbing vital minerals and vitamins, particularly intakes of zinc and vitamin D.
Analysis of the UK National Diet and Nutrition Survey (NDNS) data has revealed that women eating less than 40g of red meat a day were more likely to have micronutrient intakes below the Lower Reference Nutrient Intake (LRNI) for zinc, iron, vitamin B12 and potassium.
They were also found to have lower habitual vitamin D intakes than women consuming between 40g and 69g daily.
Intakes below the LRNI are almost certainly not enough for most people, experts said.
Dr Emma Derbyshire, an independent Public Health nutritionist and study author said: “Encouraging all population groups to eat less red meat can clearly exacerbate the nutrient shortfalls that are apparent in some at-risk groups.
“This study shows a clear correlation between low consumption of red meat and lower intakes of key nutrients that are essential for good health.