Iron is a mineral needed by the body in the production of hemoglobin, the oxygen-carrying part of blood.
Iron deficiency can be common, especially in vegetarians.
1 Other typical causes of iron deficiency include pregnancy , excessive menstruation, aspirin therapy, and diseases which cause blood loss or vitamin and mineral malabsorption. One should never take supplemental iron, however, unless there is evidence of iron deficiency on a serum ferritin test. Many individuals particularly in the United States consume too much iron in their diet. 2 Iron promotes oxidation and has been implicated in Parkinson's diease. 3 Many foods reduce the body's ability to absorb iron.