Functions

The mineral iron is an essential nutrient for humans because it is part of blood cells, which carry oxygen to all body cells. About 30% of the iron in our bodies is in storage to be readily available to replace lost iron.

Iron is essential to the formation of hemoglobin and myoglobin, which carry the oxygen in the blood and the muscle. It also makes up part of many proteins and enzymes in the body.

Iron deficiency is the most common nutritional deficiency worldwide. Although full-blown anemia is rarely evident, partial deficiency is widespread.

Symptoms of decreased iron stores include general fatigue, shortness of breath, headache, irritability, and/or lethargy. If you have constant unusual signs of tiredness, see your doctor. There are many causes of such symptoms. Simply taking an iron supplement may not be the key to renewing your energy.

Those at risk for low iron stores include:

1. Women of child bearing age -- due to menstruation
   
   
2. Pregnant women -- due to baby's needs and blood loss during childbirth
   
   
3. Infants -- usually are born with iron stores to last about six months. An infant's iron needs are met by breast milk. A non-breast-fed infant's iron needs can be met with an iron supplement or iron-fortified infant formula. As babies move to solid foods, foods containing high amounts of iron should be selected to prevent the development of iron deficiency..
   
   
4. Children between one and four years of age are at risk for developing iron deficiency because of rapid growth and a lack of sufficient iron in their diets unless iron-fortified foods or a supplement is available. Milk is a very poor source of iron. Children who drink large quantities of milk at the expense of other foods may develop "milk anemia". Limit milk to about one quart or less per day. Recommended milk intake is two to three cups per day for toddlers.
   
   
5. Adolescents -- both boys and girls traditionally have been prone to anemia because of rapid growth rates, erratic eating habits, and concerns about body image.
   
   
6. Other groups at higher than average risk are long-distance runners (whose demanding exertions may somehow damage red blood cells), and strict vegetarians (because they do not eat animal products, which contain the most bioavailable form of iron.).

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