Iron helps blood carry oxygen to all parts of body and is essential for the function of the immune system, the liver and the production of enzymes and proteins in the body.  Women of childbearing age, pregnant women, infants and toddlers, and teenage girls have the highest iron requirements. Have your doctor perform a complete blood count test to check your iron level. Need to increase your iron? Try adding these foods to your diet: iron-fortified cereal, dark leafy greens, dried fruit (prunes, dates, raisins), lentils, kidney beans, chickpeas, soy beans, seafood (oysters, clams, tuna) and black strap molasses.