Blame Popeye and wishful thinking, but when it comes to boosting the iron in our diets, women are more likely to turn to spinach, red wine and cheese than more effective ways to prevent iron deficiency.

In fact, you'd need a large amount of spinach to get the same amount of iron as you find in a 4oz sirloin steak, while foods including lentils and some cereals are a far better option than snacking on cheese - sadly!

Leading nutritionist Juliette Kellow said the results of the survey by online health resource, meatandhealth.com, were alarming, given the high number of women who are likely to be iron deficient.

'Currently around 40% of women aged 19-34 have iron intakes below the minimum amount needed to stay healthy and so are at risk of iron-deficiency anaemia. Meanwhile, 93% of 16 to 18-year-olds consume less than the recommended intake of iron,' she said.

The recommended daily amount of iron, which is also vital to keep nails and skin healthy, is 14mg and the most easily absorbed source, known as haem iron, is found in red meat, fish and poultry. Spaghetti Bolognese, made with whole-wheat pasta, will give you 6.6mg iron, while a burger in a wholemeal bap and salad provides 5.4mg.

Non haem iron, which is less easy for the body to absorb, is found in some fruit, vegetables and cereals, although one quick way to boost your iron intake is to have a vitamin C rich food at the same time, such as a glass of orange juice or slicing strawberries or kiwi onto your breakfast. Branflakes are a good choice, while a bowl of lentil soup with a wholemeal roll would pack in 5.4mg iron.