Iron is essential to the formation and function of healthy red blood cells.* An adequate amount of dietary iron is required for blood cells to efficiently transport oxygen throughout the body. According to the U.S. Centers for Disease Control (CDC), up to 16 percent of individuals in some populations are deficient in iron.

Individuals who can be prone to iron deficiency include:

• Women of menstruating age
• Individuals who follow a vegan or vegetarian diet
• Frequent blood donors
• Individuals who have undergone gastric bypass surgery
• Individuals who eat a very high fiber diet, which can inhibit iron absorption
• Individuals recovering from blood loss, such as injury or surgery
• Performance athletes who have any of the above additional risk factors