We'll give you a hint—this mineral makes up 5% of the earth's crust. It plays a vital role in keeping our cells oxygenated,* and if levels get too low, it can turn into clinical iron deficiency. Any guesses? Ten million Americans are deficient in iron—and it's the most common nutritional deficiency in the world, especially for women and children.
If you struggle with tiredness, shortness of breath, or a pale complexion (in the middle of summer)—it may be time to take a closer look at your iron intake and levels. Even if you're on top of iron-rich foods like meats and/or plant-based sources like lentils and spinach, or taking an iron supplement, the thing is: Iron is infamously tricky to absorb (especially from plant food sources). When it comes to iron, absorption is the new conversation.