Iron is a trace mineral found in food, is also present in every cell of the body. It is stored in the liver, spleen and bone marrow. Iron is vital for good health, mental skills and physical well-being. It boosts the immune system, helps fight infections and supports normal growth and intellectual development.

If the body lacks iron, it cannot make enough haemoglobin, the substance in the red blood cells that carries oxygen to the body and brain. Without adequate iron, you will lack energy and get sick often. Lack of iron is the most common single nutrient deficiency worldwide.

Girls and women need more iron because of blood loss during menstrual periods. During pregnancy, women need more than double the usual intake of iron. Women and men who follow restrictive or fad diets also can become iron-deficiency.

Infants and young children who do not get enough iron are more prone to infections and illness, may not gain enough weight, get tired easily and have feeding and digestion problems. Iron-deficiency is extremely common in pre-school children, with up to a quarter of those under age three suffering from iron-deficiency anaemia (IDA).This condition can have a permanent effect on brain development and affect the children less able to learn.

Teenagers and athletes need extra nutrients to fuel growth spurts, but they are also more likely to be on poor and unbalanced diets. Some iron is lost through urine and the gut during very strenuous activity.

Vegetarians and vegans may be getting too little iron, because iron in vegetables and other plants food is not as easily absorbed by the body as iron in meat.