Iron is one of the essential minerals required by the body. It plays a key role in the function of hemoglobin, which is the pigment in red blood cells that carries oxygen to all the body’s tissues. Iron is also needed by certain enzymes that facilitate chemical reactions in the body. Without adequate iron, the body’s ability to carry oxygen from the lungs to the other body cells decreases. This lack of oxygen leads to low production of energy, causing fatigue. This condition is called iron–deficiency anemia.

Iron deficiency may be caused by not getting enough iron through diet or because the body is unable to absorb the iron found in foods. Additionally, iron deficiency can occur due to increased losses of iron (e.g. bleeding) or due to increased needs for iron (e.g. pregnancy, growth spurts).

Although anyone can develop iron-deficiency anemia, it is most commonly seen in young women. This may be due to menstrual flow and lack of iron-rich foods in the diet. The most common signs and symptoms of anemia are fatigue, paleness, rapid heart beat, brittle nails, headaches, shortness of breath and cold hands and feet.

If a routine blood test, called a complete blood count (CBC) finds any indications of too little iron, the physician will order additional blood tests to measure: