What food provides the best dietary source of iron?

While eggs do provide iron, they are not considered the best dietary source compared to other options. Spinach is actually renowned for its higher iron content, especially in a plant-based form, making it a better choice for those looking to increase their iron intake. Iron in spinach, however, is primarily of the non-heme type, which is less easily absorbed by the body compared to heme iron found in animal products.

Milk contains very little iron and is not a significant source. Bananas, while healthy, are not a recognized source of iron either.

In terms of dietary sources, red meats, poultry, seafood, legumes, and certain fortified cereals are typically highlighted as optimal sources of iron, mainly because they provide heme iron, which is absorbed much more efficiently. Spinach, being plant-based, does have its advantages for those following vegetarian or vegan diets, but in general dietary recommendations, it is not considered the most effective source alone for iron compared to meat sources.