While it can be a helpful supplement for those with mild iron deficiency, for individuals with hemochromatosis, it’s important to consult with a doctor before using cast iron cookware.  

In kitchens across India, cast iron cookware has long been hailed as a culinary essential, renowned for its durability and superior heat retention. However, can it promise to give you your daily quota of nutritional iron? 

First Check reached out to Kanika Malhotra, a clinical dietitian based in Delhi, India, to get the answer. “Cast iron cookware can leach small amounts of iron into your food during cooking. This can increase the iron content of foods, particularly foods with a high moisture content, and high acidity, like tomatoes or lentils. Also, foods cooked for a long duration,” says the clinical dietitian. 

While it’s not a significant source to meet daily iron needs, Kanika maintains that it can be a helpful supplement, especially for those with mild iron deficiency. She has a word of caution though: “If you have hemochromatosis (a disorder associated with deposits of excess iron), consult with your doctor before using cast iron cookware regularly.”

The best way to get a healthy dose of iron in your diet is to eat more iron-rich foods, such as fish, eggs, nuts, legumes, and vegetables. Relying solely on cast iron cookware to meet your daily iron needs is not a sound idea. 

Read More: Explainer: The presence of PFAS & BPA in your kitchen