The report reviews the role of iron in human nutrition and assesses the adequacy of iron intakes and status of the general and low income populations in the UK. For the general population, SACN recommends achieving adequate iron status through a healthy balanced diet including a variety of foods containing iron. This is a change to current dietary advice. Groups at risk of iron deficiency anaemia include toddlers, girls and women of reproductive age, and some adults aged over 65 years. Health professionals need to be aware of increased risk of iron deficiency anaemia in these groups, so appropriate clinical assessment and advice may be given. Red and processed meat is associated with an increased risk of colorectal cancer, so SACN advises high consumers to reduce their intakes.