Low levels of iron, even moderately so, may affect women's memory, attention and other mental abilities, according to a new study. People who do not get enough iron are known to feel fatigued and lethargic, but this study shows "there is actually a neurological component" to low levels of iron. If women do not get enough iron, their performance is going to decline. Although the effect of low iron levels on cognitive abilities is significant, after women had restored healthy iron levels their mental abilities improved. It's important to note that this study applies primarily to women. Generally, most men have a problem with too much iron.
Yahoo! News April 19, 2004