Iron plays an important role in oxygen transport and storage as well as being a cofactor in enzymatic reactions in various biochemical processes, including mitochondrial electron transport, catecholamine metabolism and DNA synthesis. Iron deficiency can cause a broad spectrum of biochemical abnormalities. It has been difficult to relate the clinical consequences to the level of iron deficiency but tissue iron depletion (IDE) may be as important as a decrease in Hb (IDA). The non-haematological consequences of iron deficiency involve the immune system, work performance and neurological function.
