One chicken egg contains 0.9 mg of non-heme iron, according to the provided reference. This iron is not evenly distributed within the egg.
Iron Content in Eggs
The majority of iron in an egg is found in the yolk. Egg whites contain only trace amounts of iron, primarily in a protein called ovotransferrin.
| Egg Component | Iron Content |
|---|---|
| Whole Egg | 0.9 mg (non-heme) |
| Yolk | Primarily iron |
| Egg White | Trace amounts of iron |
Daily Iron Requirements
It's important to understand how this amount of iron relates to daily needs, especially for infants and young children.
- Infants (6-12 months): 0.9 mg of iron from one egg constitutes about 8% of their recommended daily allowance (RDA) of 11 mg.
- Children (1-3 years): 0.9 mg of iron from one egg makes up around 13% of their RDA of 7 mg.
Key Takeaways
- Eggs are a decent source of iron, particularly for young children.
- The iron in eggs is non-heme iron, which is not as readily absorbed as heme iron found in animal products.
- Eating eggs contributes to a balanced diet and helps meet daily iron needs.
