Iron is an essential mineral that the body needs for every day function. One of the most important functions of iron is heme synthesis. The body uses iron to make hemoglobin, a protein found in the red blood cells. This hemoglobin carries oxygen from the lungs to the rest of the body. A lack of iron means the body cannot make enough red blood cells to carry the oxygen leading to iron deficiency anemia resulting in tiredness, weakness, shortness of breath and difficulty in concentration. More serious signs include palpitation, hair loss and brittle or spooning in the nails. 

One of the functions of iron is its role in energy production apart from playing an important role in maintaining a healthy immune system.

A low iron store can result in a poor supply of oxygen to damaged cells, tissues and organs, decreasing the body's ability to fight off infections. There is also research to show that optimum iron levels play an important role in cognitive ability including problem solving and memory retention.

Our bodies do not create iron and therefore we need to make sure to include sufficient iron as part of our diet. 

Iron is not only used to form hemoglobin, but also myoglobin, which, found in muscle and cytochromes, are the main components of the respiratory oxidation chain (how energy is created using oxygen). Low levels of iron decrease the body’s natural ability to produce these proteins. Red blood cell functions diminish to the point of inadequacy. Iron is also involved in neural development, namely in myelin sheath formation. It is not an exaggeration to say that iron is utilized throughout our entire bodies, and is absolutely necessary for good health and survival.

Even though iron is one the most common minerals on the planet, iron deficiency is the most prevalent nutritional deficiency. Some of this is due to the mechanism of iron absorption.