gen-explain-iron-absorption-and-deficiency-as-you-would-to-a-cap-40d6

Explain iron absorption and deficiency as you would to a capable student, in 3-4 sentences.

Iron is absorbed primarily in your small intestine, where heme iron (from meat) is taken up more efficiently than non-heme iron (from plants), though vitamin C can enhance non-heme iron absorption while substances like tannins in tea inhibit it. Your body tightly regulates iron absorption through a hormone called hepcidin, which decreases when iron stores are low to allow more uptake. Iron deficiency develops when intake doesn't meet demands (often from blood loss, pregnancy, or inadequate diet), progressing from depleted stores to impaired red blood cell production, and finally to anemia characterized by fatigue, weakness, and pale skin. This is the most common nutritional deficiency worldwide, particularly affecting menstruating women, pregnant individuals, and young children.