What does iron do for you?

How much iron you need each day depends on your age, gender, and overall health. Infants and toddlers need more iron than adults, in general, because their bodies are growing so quickly. In childhood, boys and girls need the same amount of iron -- 10 milligrams daily from ages 4 to 8, and 8 mg daily from ages 9 to 13. read more

All of your cells contain some iron, but most of the iron in your body is in your red blood cells. Red blood cells transport oxygen from your lungs to the organs and tissues throughout your body. Iron has a role in creating energy from nutrients. read more

While iron has many functions vital to human health, too much of it leads to iron overload, which damages your organs and can lead to heart or liver failure. The key is to get the right amount your body needs to function properly. read more