The Importance of Iron in Supporting Everyday Health
Iron is one of those nutrients we don’t always think about, but it quietly plays an important role in keeping our bodies energised and maintaining healthy function. From supporting energy release to helping your immune system and cognitive performance, maintaining good iron status is essential for everyday wellbeing.
To find out more about the role of iron and how to support healthy levels through diet and lifestyle, we caught up with Cara Shaw, Nutritionist at BlueIron (www.blueiron.co.uk), who shares her expert insights.
1. Iron helps to support your energy levels
Iron contributes to the reduction of tiredness and fatigue and plays an important part in energy-yielding metabolism. Ensuring you get enough iron through a balanced diet can help support your energy levels and keep you feeling ready to take on the day.
2. It supports normal oxygen transport in the body
Iron contributes to the normal formation of red blood cells and haemoglobin, which are responsible for transporting oxygen throughout the body. Supporting your iron intake helps ensure your body’s cells get the oxygen they need to function properly.
3. Iron contributes to normal cognitive function
From focus and memory to mental performance, iron plays a key role in supporting normal cognitive function. Maintaining good iron status through nutrition is one way to help your brain stay sharp.
4. It plays a part in supporting your immune system
Iron contributes to the normal function of the immune system. A balanced diet that includes a variety of nutrients, including iron, can help support your body’s natural defences.
5. It’s involved in the process of cell division
Iron also has a role in the process of cell division, highlighting how this nutrient is essential to many fundamental processes in the body.
How to support your iron intake
Supporting your iron levels starts with a healthy, balanced diet. Good dietary sources of iron include lean red meat, lentils, tofu, spinach, and pumpkin seeds. For those following a plant-based diet, pairing iron-containing foods with a source of vitamin C, such as citrus fruits, peppers, or berries, can help support absorption.
For those looking for additional nutritional support, BlueIron offers a gentle, easy-to- take liquid iron supplement that’s kind to the stomach. It combines iron with Nordic wild blueberries for a naturally fruity taste (RRP £16, available to buy from www.blueiron.co.uk).
Written by Cara Shaw, nutritionist for BlueIron.
*Iron contributes to the reduction of tiredness and fatigue *Iron contributes to normal energy-yielding metabolism
*Iron contributes to normal formation of red blood cells and haemoglobin *Iron contributes to normal oxygen transport in the body
*Iron contributes to normal cognitive function
*Iron contributes to the normal function of the immune system Iron has a role in the process of cell division
*Food supplements should not be used as a substitute for a varied diet and a healthy lifestyle.-
Posted by Emily Garfield
1st December 2025
