Iron is an abundant element on earth and is a biologically essential component of every living organism. Iron had early medicinal uses by Egyptians, Hindus, Greeks, and Romans. Although low iron intake and/or bioavailability are responsible for most anemia in industrialized countries, they account for only about half of the anemia in developing countries, where infectious and inflammatory diseases (especially malaria), blood loss from parasitic infections, andother nutrient deficiencies (vitamin A, riboflavin, folic acid, and vitamin B12) are also important causes.