Iron is the mineral that appears in the greatest amount in the blood. The most important function of iron in the human body is helping the production of both hemoglobin and myoglobin. Myoglobin is a form of hemoglobin found in muscles. Iron is also involved in the oxygenation of your body's red blood cells. This mineral iron is also needed for energy production and a strong, healthy immune system.

About 58% of the North American population consume less than the recommended daily amount RDA of iron. Iron deficiency is the single most common nutrient deficiency in the world today. People who lack in iron levels may suffer from: anemia, hair loss and other hair problems, swallowing problems, digestive troubles, dizziness, fatigue, spoon shaped fingernails, nervousness, obesity, slow reaction and fragile bones.

Strenuous excercise and athletic training reduces the iron in the persons body. You can also lose iron by: intestinal bleeding, excessive menstrual bleeding, poor digestion, long-term illness, ulcers, heavy use of antiacids, and drinking too much coffee or tea. Iron deficiency is most often treated by consuming the proper levels; good health supplements with iron and other essential minerals is a good way to insure necessary intake of iron.

The chemical symbol for Iron is "Fe".

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