Iron is known to have diverse roles in the body and some of its roles reflect in fascinating ways. Some of those are as follows:

Elderly people with good iron status show the same type of EEG (electroencephalogram) brain waves activity as found in young adults.

• Children with iron deficiency have poor ability to concentrate.

• Low iron levels increase susceptibility to infections and sensitivity to colds (more so in children).

• Signs of chronic fatigue could be one of the tell tale signs of iron deficiency anemia. This nutrient deficiency is very commonly encountered but more so in the developing regions.

• Anemic individuals are low on energy and listless. Women characteristically complain that their housework piles up due to lack of energy. This is a good time to have their haemoglobin and blood iron levels investigated to rule out iron deficiency anemia.

Iron is an important mineral not only for pregnant women (in the last trimester) but all women in their reproductive years. Interestingly, recent studies have indicated that the present system of therapeutic iron supplementation for all pregnant women may need revision in the future. It is important to understand that although iron is one of the crucial nutrients, taking supplements without enough justification is not recommended. Iron being a powerful oxidizing agent, can generate free radicals, which are harmful. This is a good enough reason to rely on the dietary sources of iron, which is the safe and effective method of improving iron status. (To be continued)