Iron plays a role in a number of essential functions in the body.Iron is an essential component of haemoglobin and,therefore,iron is required for normal blood formation and oxygen transport around the body.
Iron is required for normal functioning of the immune system and is also needed for neurological development in the embryo.
Iron is present in foods as haem and non-haem iron.Haem iron is found in animal-derived foods and products,whilst non-haem iron is found in plant foods.
Haem iron is more readily absorbed than non-haem iron.