Iron

Forms:  Heme iron (meats), ferrous fumarate, iron amino acid chelate

Sources:  Beef, blackstrap molasses, tofu, lentils, potato with skin

RDA:  27 mg for pregnant women

Description:  Iron is needed for the transport of oxygen in hemoglobin and for the short term storage of oxygen in myoglobin for use in muscle.  Also, iron has vital roles in both antioxidant and pro-oxidant enzymes, and has important roles in the immune system.  An iron deficiency can lead to anemia and a depressed immune system.  The deficiency can also make someone more susceptible to lead poisoning due to increased lead absorption.  Doses in excess of 45 mg per day are not recommended.