Iron is an essential mineral necessary for many important metabolic functions in the body. It is part of hemoglobin, the oxygen-carrying component of the blood. The primary functions of iron involve oxygen transport within blood and muscle, electron transfer in relation to the cellular uptake of oxygen, and the conversion of blood sugar to energy. Iron is also a part of many enzymes that are involved with making new cells, amino acids, hormones, and neurotransmitters.

Plays an essential role in:

• The synthesis of collagen and elastin require iron.
• Much of iron’s functional activity in electron transport and energy production has to do with its ability to convert back and forth between its reduced state (Fe++), and its oxidized state (Fe+++). This is how oxygen is either held or released.
• Necessary for the synthesis of the amino acid carnitine, which plays a role in the metabolism of fatty acids.
• Iron is one of the substances that is necessary for optimal immune response.
• Part of the enzyme that initiates the synthesis of the neurotransmitters serotonin and dopamine.
• Myoglobin is an iron-containing protein in muscles that acts as an oxygen acceptor and an oxygen storage reservoir in muscle.
• The major function of iron is for oxygen transport by hemoglobin.

Iron Deficiency

A lack of iron leads to anemia. Symptoms of anemia include severe weakness and fatigue.

Optimal Iron intake

The most important reason to take iron as a supplement is to alleviate anemia which is caused by too little iron in the body.
National Academy of Science recommends a range of  18 mg per day

Click here for Iron RDA  table

Iron Forms
Ferrous sulfate, ferrous gluconate, ferrous fumerate, ferrous glycinate, ferric ammonium citrate, and heme iron.