Iron is essential for human health, playing a critical role in oxygen transport, DNA synthesis, and electron transport. However, excessive iron can lead to tissue damage due to free radical formation. Iron deficiency is a common disorder, affecting various populations, including children, adolescents, and women of reproductive age. Iron metabolism is tightly regulated, with hepcidin playing a central role in controlling iron absorption and storage. Iron is absorbed primarily in the duodenum and upper jejunum, with heme iron being more bioavailable than nonheme iron. Factors such as ascorbic acid, meat, and certain dietary components can enhance iron absorption, while phytic acid, polyphenols, and calcium can inhibit it. Iron is stored in ferritin and hemosiderin, and its levels are closely monitored through serum ferritin and transferrin saturation. Iron deficiency can lead to anemia, which has various causes, including poor dietary intake, blood loss, and chronic diseases. Prevention strategies include education, dietary modification, iron supplementation, fortification, and biofortification. Iron deficiency anemia is the most common type of anemia, and its prevention is crucial, especially in developing countries. Effective interventions involve improving iron intake, bioavailability, and ensuring adequate dietary iron sources.Iron is essential for human health, playing a critical role in oxygen transport, DNA synthesis, and electron transport. However, excessive iron can lead to tissue damage due to free radical formation. Iron deficiency is a common disorder, affecting various populations, including children, adolescents, and women of reproductive age. Iron metabolism is tightly regulated, with hepcidin playing a central role in controlling iron absorption and storage. Iron is absorbed primarily in the duodenum and upper jejunum, with heme iron being more bioavailable than nonheme iron. Factors such as ascorbic acid, meat, and certain dietary components can enhance iron absorption, while phytic acid, polyphenols, and calcium can inhibit it. Iron is stored in ferritin and hemosiderin, and its levels are closely monitored through serum ferritin and transferrin saturation. Iron deficiency can lead to anemia, which has various causes, including poor dietary intake, blood loss, and chronic diseases. Prevention strategies include education, dietary modification, iron supplementation, fortification, and biofortification. Iron deficiency anemia is the most common type of anemia, and its prevention is crucial, especially in developing countries. Effective interventions involve improving iron intake, bioavailability, and ensuring adequate dietary iron sources.