Iron

Summary

Iron is a mineral that our bodies need for many functions. For example, iron is part of hemoglobin, a protein which carries oxygen from our lungs throughout our bodies. It helps our muscles store and use oxygen. Iron is also part of many other proteins and enzymes.

Your body needs the right amount of iron. If you have too little iron, you may develop iron deficiency anemia. Causes of low iron levels include blood loss, poor diet, or an inability to absorb enough iron from foods. People at higher risk of having too little iron are young children and women who are pregnant or have periods.

Too much iron can damage your body. Taking too many iron supplements can cause iron poisoning. Some people have an inherited disease called hemochromatosis. It causes too much iron to build up in the body.

Centers for Disease Control and Prevention

NIH Office of Dietary Supplements

Genetics

• African iron overload: MedlinePlus Genetics National Library of Medicine
• Hyperferritinemia-cataract syndrome: MedlinePlus Genetics National Library of Medicine

Specifics

• Anemia American Academy of Family Physicians
• Iron-Deficiency Anemia National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute

Encyclopedia

• Anemia caused by low iron – children Medical Encyclopedia
• Iron overdose Medical Encyclopedia

Patient Handouts

• Anemia caused by low iron – infants and toddlers Medical Encyclopedia
• Ferritin blood test Medical Encyclopedia
• Iron deficiency anemia Medical Encyclopedia
• Iron in diet Medical Encyclopedia
• Serum iron test Medical Encyclopedia
• Taking iron supplements Medical Encyclopedia
• Total iron binding capacity Medical Encyclopedia

Clinical Trials

• ClinicalTrials.gov: Ferritins National Institutes of Health
• ClinicalTrials.gov: Iron National Institutes of Health

Statistics and Research

• FastStats: Anemia or Iron Deficiency National Center for Health Statistics

Diagnosis and Tests

• Ferritin Blood Test National Library of Medicine
• Iron Tests National Library of Medicine

Find an Expert

• Food and Drug Administration Food and Drug Administration
• Food and Nutrition Information Center Food and Nutrition Information Center
• National Institutes of Health, Office of Dietary Supplements National Institutes of Health, Office of Dietary Supplements

Children

• Iron Nemours Foundation
• Iron-Deficiency Anemia (For Parents) Nemours Foundation

Start Here

• Iron National Institutes of Health, Office of Dietary Supplements

Journal Articles

• Iron