Iron has several vitally important roles in the body. Iron is needed for synthesis of DNA, which is vital to support growth, healing, reproduction, and immune function. Enzymes involved in synthesizing collagen, neurotransmitters, and hormones require iron.

Iron is used to transport and store oxygen in the blood and muscles. Iron is useful because it has the ability to oxidize and to reduce (the opposite of oxidize). Iron can both gain and lose an electron, and thus, is an important part of the bodies electron transport chain, which is the principal source of energy in cells.

Iron deficiency is probably the most common nutrient deficiency in the United States and the world. Iron deficiency affects about one billion people worldwide.

Your Iron Intake

Your Top Iron Sources

Below are the major contributors of Iron to your diet. This list is based upon the foods you eat the most, not the amount of Iron per serving (which is shown for reference purposes only).