Introduction

Iron is a trace element. You need it in your diet to stay healthy. Adults have about 3 to 5 grams of iron in their body, most of it in their red blood cells. Our bodies need iron for a number of reasons, including to make hemoglobin. Hemoglobin is found in red blood cells (erythrocytes) and helps to transport oxygen to all of our cells and organs. It also plays an important role in energy production and cell division.
We absorb iron from the food we eat. People who eat a good mix of different foods usually get enough iron in their diet. Those who don’t get enough iron develop an iron deficiency. That can happen if our bodies need especially high amounts of iron, such as during pregnancy in women or growth spurts in children. Blood loss and various diseases can also result in iron deficiency.
Iron deficiency can cause anemia over time (a lack of healthy red blood cells). But it can be treated effectively with iron supplements. It is also important to tackle the cause of the deficiency if possible.