[Iron deficiency in France: prevalence and prevention]

Although iron is one of the most abundant metals in the Earth's crust, humans are often deficient in this element. This is mainly due to inefficient absorption of ferric ions, the main naturally occurring form. The risk of deficiency is lower in industrialized countries, yet a large proportion of these populations, and especially infants, pregnant women and young women, have poor ferritin status. The consequences of non anemic iron deficiency are unclear Conversely, excessive iron stores can be harmful, owing to the pro-oxidant imbalance they create.