That line is almost certainly clickbait or a truncated myth. The full claim people usually try to make is something like:
“If you eat chicken gizzards, you don’t need to take iron/B12 supplements (or multivitamins).”
Here’s the real, full picture:
Chicken gizzards are a nutrient-dense organ meat. They are especially rich in:
- Protein (high quality, lean)
- Iron (helps with blood and energy production)
- Vitamin B12 (important for nerves and red blood cells)
- Zinc (immune support)
- Some selenium and phosphorus
Because of that, they can help reduce the risk of deficiencies, especially iron-deficiency anemia and B12 deficiency, if someone eats them regularly as part of a balanced diet.
But the important correction:
Eating chicken gizzards does NOT mean you don’t need supplements in general.
Why?
- They don’t contain vitamin C, vitamin D, calcium, iodine, omega-3s, etc. in meaningful amounts.
- They can’t replace supplements if someone has a diagnosed deficiency.
- Nutritional needs vary by age, diet, pregnancy status, and health conditions.
A more accurate statement would be:
“Chicken gizzards are a nutrient-rich food that can help meet iron and B12 needs, but they don’t replace supplements or a balanced diet.”
If you want, I can break down exactly what 100g of gizzards gives you compared to daily requirements.
