Functions	Irons major function in the body is to work in conjunction with copper in the making of hemoglobin.  Iron is usually bound to protein. It and it's components carry oxygen to the cells. Iron helps fight fatigue, ward off infection, aids in the function of lymphocytes, helps promote antibodies, helps to improve the functions of chemicals involved in neurotransmitting, needed in the production of collagen as well as elastin, helps protect the body against oxidative damage, helps produce and regulate several brain neurotransmitters.
Deficiencies can cause	High intakes of phosphorous, cellulose, coffee, and tea can interfere with iron absorption. Anemia, angular stomatitis (soreness and swelling at the corners of the mouth), anorexia, brittle nails, confusion, constipation, depression, dizziness, dysphagia (difficulty swallowing), fatigue, fragile bones, G.I. upset, growth retardation, headaches, pica (ice eating), irritability, palpitations.
Toxicity can cause	Anorexia, constipation, diarrhea, dizziness, fatigue, headaches, nausea.
Food Sources	Eggs, fish, liver, meat, poultry, green leafy vegetables, whole grains, almonds, applesauce, avocados, beets, blackstrap molasses, brewer's yeast, Brussels sprouts, dates, dulse, green peas, kidney beans, lima beans, lentils, millet, peaches, pears, dried prunes, potatoes, pumpkins, raisins, rice bran, watermelon, wheat bran, sesame seeds, soybeans, and watercress.
Herbal Sources	Alfalfa, burdock root, catnip, cayenne, chamomile, chickweed, chicory, dandelion, dong quai, eyebright, fennel seed, fenugreek, horsetail, kelp, lemongrass, licorice, milk thistle seed, mullein, nettle, oat straw, paprika, parsley, peppermint, plantain, raspberry leaf, rose hips, sarsaparilla, shepherd's purse, uva ursi, and yellow dock.
R.D.A.*	Infants 0-0.5 year               6mg 0.5-1 year              10mg Children 1-10 years              10mg Males 11-18 years            12mg 19+ years                10mg Females 11-50 years             15mg Pregnant                  30mg Lactating                  15mg

Comments: Absorption of iron is reduced with rapid intestinal transit time, achylia (a lack of, or not enough of, hydrochloric acid and pepsinogen), and malabsorption syndromes. Antibiotics, phosphates, carbonates (such as calcium carbonate, which can be found in prenatal vitamins), and phytates inhibit iron absorption. Aspirin plays a secondary role in iron loss because of blood lost through low-grade intestinal bleeding. 

*The Nutrition Desk Reference by Robert Garrison, Jr., M.A., R.Ph. and Elizabeth Somer, M.A., R.D. (Keats Publishing Company, New Canaan, Connecticut) 1995, pp. 202