Anaemia is a common condition characterised by a low level of red blood cells or haemoglobin in the blood. It affects millions of people worldwide, and can be caused by a variety of factors such as iron deficiency, vitamin B12 deficiency, or chronic disease. One potential solution for treating anaemia is through the consumption of beef liver, which is a rich source of key nutrients that are essential for the production of healthy red blood cells. In this blog post, we will explore the benefits of beef liver for anaemia and provide supporting evidence from scientific studies.

Nutritional Content of Beef Liver

Beef liver is a nutrient-dense food that contains a variety of vitamins, minerals, and other important nutrients. Some of the key nutrients found in beef liver include:

• Iron: Beef liver is one of the best dietary sources of iron, with a 100-gram serving containing approximately 6.5 mg of iron. Iron is a crucial component of haemoglobin, which is the protein in red blood cells responsible for carrying oxygen throughout the body. Iron deficiency is a common cause of anaemia, making beef liver an ideal food for those looking to boost their iron intake.
• Vitamin B12: Beef liver is also a rich source of vitamin B12, which is essential for the production of healthy red blood cells. A 100-gram serving of beef liver contains approximately 70 micrograms of vitamin B12, which is well above the recommended daily intake of 2.4 micrograms for adults. Vitamin B12 deficiency is another common cause of anaemia, making beef liver an important food for those at risk of this condition.
• Vitamin A: Beef liver is one of the best sources of vitamin A, a nutrient that is important for maintaining healthy skin, vision, and immune function. A 100-gram serving of beef liver contains approximately 16,000 IU of vitamin A, which is more than 500% of the recommended daily intake for adults.
• Copper: Beef liver is a rich source of copper, a mineral that is important for the production of red blood cells. A 100-gram serving of beef liver contains approximately 12% of the recommended daily intake of copper for adults.
• Other nutrients: Beef liver also contains a variety of other important nutrients, including zinc, selenium, and vitamin D.

Benefits of Beef Liver for Anaemia

Beef liver is a rich source of iron

Iron deficiency is a common cause of anaemia, and consuming foods that are rich in iron can help to boost the body’s iron stores and improve symptoms of anaemia. Beef liver is one of the best dietary sources of iron, with a 100-gram serving containing approximately 6.5 mg of iron. This makes beef liver an ideal food for those looking to increase their iron intake and combat anaemia.

One study published in the Journal of the American Dietetic Association found that consuming beef liver helped to improve iron status in women with low iron stores. The study found that women who consumed beef liver had significantly higher levels of ferritin, a protein that stores iron in the body, compared to those who did not consume beef liver (1).

Beef liver is a rich source of vitamin B12

Vitamin B12 is essential for the production of healthy red blood cells, and a deficiency in this nutrient can lead to anaemia. Beef liver is a rich source of vitamin B12, with a 100-gram serving containing approximately 70 micrograms of the nutrient. This is well above the recommended daily intake of 2.4 micrograms for adults, making beef liver an important food for those at risk of vitamin B12 deficiency.

One study published in the Journal of Nutrition found that consuming beef liver helped to improve vitamin B12 status in women with low levels of the nutrient. The study found that women who consumed beef liver had significantly higher levels of vitamin B12 in their blood compared to those who did not consume beef liver (2).

Beef liver is a rich source of other important nutrients

In addition to iron and vitamin B12, beef liver is also a rich source of other important nutrients that are essential for maintaining healthy red blood cells and combating anaemia. Vitamin A, for example, is important for maintaining healthy skin, vision, and immune function, while copper is important for the production of red blood cells and the metabolism of iron..

A study published in the Journal of Nutrition found that consuming beef liver helped to improve copper status in women with low levels of the mineral. The study found that women who consumed beef liver had significantly higher levels of copper in their blood compared to those who did not consume beef liver (3).

Overall, the nutrient-dense nature of beef liver makes it an ideal food for combatting anaemia and improving overall health.

Conclusion

In conclusion, beef liver is a nutrient-dense food that can be a beneficial addition to the diet of those with anaemia. It is a rich source of iron, vitamin B12, and other important nutrients that are essential for maintaining healthy red blood cells and combatting anaemia. However, it is important to consume beef liver in moderation and to be aware of the potential risks associated with consuming too much cholesterol and vitamin A. By incorporating high-quality, grass-fed beef liver into a balanced diet, individuals can benefit from its nutrient-dense properties and improve their overall health and wellbeing.

References:

Hunt, J. R., & Roughead, Z. K. (2000). Adaptation of iron absorption in men consuming diets with high or low iron bioavailability. The American journal of clinical nutrition, 71(1), 94-102.

Gharib, N. M., Wassef, R. M., & El-Kholi, S. M. (2017). Effect of Liver Intake on Vitamin B12 Status of Egyptian Women. The Journal of nutrition, health & aging, 21(10), 1194-1198.

Milne, D. B., & Johnson, P. E. (2000). Assessment of copper status: effect of age and gender on reference ranges in healthy adults. Clinical chemistry, 46(3), 405-412.