Should men really eat more red meat than women?

Protein is essential for muscle maintenance and growth, and men have, on average, more muscle mass than women. According to the French National Agency for Food Safety (ANSES), the recommended protein intake should be between 0.83 g and 2.2 g per kg of body weight per day for a healthy adult, regardless of gender. These needs may vary depending on physical activity level and age.

Should men eat more red meat than women? No, because red meat is just one source of protein. Legumes, eggs, dairy products, and fish can also help meet these needs.

Iron needs are not what we think

In addition to protein, red meat is known to provide a good amount of iron to those who consume it. A key nutrient for transporting oxygen in the blood, iron exists in two forms: heme iron (found in red meat) and non-heme iron (found in plants and dairy products). However, heme iron is better absorbed by the body.

But contrary to popular belief, women's iron needs are higher than those of men. ANSES recommends an intake of 11 mg per day for men and 16 mg per day for women, depending on the abundance of menstruation and the amount of iron that may be lost. Iron intake can even rise to 20 mg per day for pregnant women , or even 30 to 50 mg if the mother began her pregnancy with low iron stores.

The false belief that men have a greater need for red meat might be harmless, if excessive consumption weren't associated with several health risks. The International Agency for Research on Cancer (IARC), an agency of the World Health Organization, has classified red meat as "probably carcinogenic" to humans and processed meats as "proven carcinogens." Excessive consumption is also linked to an increased risk of cardiovascular disease and type 2 diabetes.

Anses and the High Council for Public Health (HCSP) therefore advise limiting red meat consumption to 500g per week , or around three portions.