One in four women was found to have to have a low intake of the mineral in the poll.

A shortage of iron, found in foods such as watercress and liver, can result in tiredness, lethargy and sometimes death.

TV doctor and health campaigner Christian Jessen said, "The high rate of iron deficiency among women in a developed country like the U.K. is a real concern.

"The side effects are subtle and can creep on up you -- you can end up feeling tired, lethargic and with no get up and go."

Nutritionist Amanda Ursell added, “Red meat such as beef, lamb and pork... contains a wide variety of nutrients in a relatively small amount of food.”

The National Diet and Nutrition Survey, conducted by YouGov for industry body MeatMatters, found that a quarter of British women and teenage girls suffer from a low intake of iron.

Less than a third of the 2,000 women polled were aware that lack of iron could reduce a child’s attention span and learning ability.

 From the January 24, 2012, Prepared Foods' Daily News.