Iron supplementation

Abstract

Iron, one of the most abundant metals on earth, is essential to most life forms and to normal human physiology. Iron is an integral part of many proteins and enzymes that maintain good health. A deficiency of iron limits oxygen delivery to cells, resulting in fatigue, poor work performance and decreased immunity. Iron deficiency is the most common form of malnutrition in the world. Iron-deficiency anaemia (inadequate number of red blood cells caused by lack of iron) is highly prevalent in less developed countries, but also remains a problem in developed countries where other forms of malnutrition have already been virtually eliminated. While iron deficiency is not the only cause of anaemia, where anaemia is prevalent, iron deficiency is usually the most common cause.