Wisconsin Potatoes Excellent Source of Iron

Did you know one medium potato provides 6% of the recommended daily value of iron?

Iron is a major component of red blood cells and helps form hemoglobin. Hemoglobin is a protein in red blood cells that carries oxygen throughout the body.

“Iron also has a critical role within cells assisting in oxygen utilization, enzymatic systems, especially for neural development, and overall cell function everywhere in the body,” says the United States Potato Board (USPB).

Additionally, Iron helps the liver function properly, is important for cell growth regulation, immune activity and maintaining good health overall. It’s also a mineral that’s especially important for expectant mothers.

When a woman is expecting, the amount of blood in her body increases significantly, which means more hemoglobin is needed to carry oxygen throughout her body during pregnancy. Furthermore, iron deficiencies have been associated with weakened brain function, learning disabilities and behavioral challenges.

“Ultimately, deficiencies in iron affect every area of the body,” says WPVGA Executive Director Duane Maatz.

“It’s so important to get the right amount of iron on a daily basis. Wisconsin potato growers appreciate providing a vegetable that serves as a good source of such an important mineral. And with the potato varieties offered and the wide range of recipes for each, you can have your nutrients and eat them too!”

So be sure to try different potato varieties the next time you shop. You’ll be glad you did!