Treat Anemia

• Anemia is caused by low levels of iron in blood. When blood does not have enough iron, it can not effectively transport hemoglobin, which is a protein responsible for transporting oxygen throughout the body. Anemia can be caused by the following occurrences: pregnancy, blood loss during especially heavy periods, donating blood, ulcers or surgery. Chemotherapy patients and those with chronic kidney failure can also experience anemia of chronic disease. Boosting iron in the body helps treat anemia.
  
  

Improved Sports Performance

• Low iron may inhibit sports performance.Liquidlibrary/liquidlibrary/Getty Images
  
  Some studies have shown links between low iron and low energy. People with lower iron levels may consider eating more iron-rich foods or taking an iron supplement to see if energy increases.
  
  

ACE Inhibitor Cough

• High blood pressure and heart failure medicines called angiotensin-converting enzyme (ACE) inhibitors often cause a dry cough as a side effect. Iron---in preliminary tests---alleviated the cough, which was a benefit for those who found the dry cough so unpleasant they discontinued taking the ACE inhibitor. It's very important to contact a doctor before taking iron for an ACE-inhibitor-related cough, as iron has risks tied to heart disease.
  
  

ADHD

• Consider feeding children with ADHD more iron-rich foods.Jupiterimages/Polka Dot/Getty Images
  
  Attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) produces symptoms akin to low iron levels: lowered social responsiveness, decreased arousal and difficulty concentrating. While iron can harm children---the majority of ADHD sufferers---in high doses, consider feeding children foods rich in iron more frequently.