Why is Iron So Important?
Iron is one of the most abundant minerals on earth, and it is essential for normal human physiological functions. It is part of many different proteins and enzymes that are necessary to maintain proper health. Iron is involved in the transportation of oxygen throughout the body, and aids in cell growth. Over 200 billion red blood cells are produced by your body every day. Every second, nearly 2.5 millioin new red blood cells are released into the blood stream.
Iron is a structural component of hemoglobin, an essential protein that carries vital oxygen from lungs to tissues in the body. Nearly two-thirds of the body's iron is found in hemoglobin. Without the benefits of iron, the body could not function properly. Poor health and an impaired immune system could lead to serious illness.
 The World Health Organization believes that a deficiency of iron is the number one nutritional disorder in the world. WHO estimates that nearly 80% of the world's population suffers from some type of iron deficiency. Of those 80%, 30% are estimated to have iron deficiency anemia, an advanced stage of iron depletion. Low dietary iron intake, inadequate absorption of iron, and excessive blood loss can all lead to iron deficiency anemia. At greatest risk for this disorder are women of child-bearing age, pregnant women, pre-term or low birth weight infants, older infants and toddlers, and teenage girls.
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Signs of Iron Deficiency:
