Iron Deficiency and Immune Function

Iron deficiency remains the most prevalent micronutrient disorder worldwide, with profound implications for host defence. Beyond its classical role in haemoglobin synthesis and oxygen transport, iron is pivotal for the development and function of both innate and adaptive immune cells. Deficiency leads to alterations in cellular proliferation, impaired generation of reactive oxygen species and dysregulation of cytokine networks. Consequently, individuals with insufficient iron stores exhibit diminished barrier immunity, reduced phagocytic capacity of macrophages and neutrophils, and suboptimal lymphocyte responses. At a population level, these impairments contribute to increased susceptibility to infectious diseases, attenuated vaccine responses and a higher burden of morbidity, particularly among children, pregnant women and marginalised communities. Recognition of the immunological sequelae of iron deficiency has driven renewed interest in tailored supplementation strategies, while raising awareness of potential risks associated with indiscriminate iron delivery in settings of ongoing infection.

Research from Nature Portfolio

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Research from all publishers

Recent studies in advanced science journals have demonstrated that iron deficiency undermines the development and antigen-presenting function of dendritic cells, the principal initiators of adaptive immunity. Experimental models reveal that low iron availability at the monocyte–dendritic progenitor stage leads to fewer mature dendritic cells in peripheral tissues, impairing T-cell activation and viral clearance. This work highlights how iron status modulates antiviral defence and suggests that targeted iron repletion could enhance vaccination efficacy against respiratory pathogens.

Clinical research in paediatric populations has documented that children with iron deficiency anaemia exhibit marked reductions in immunoglobulin G levels, attenuated interleukin-6 production and compromised oxidative burst activity of neutrophils. These findings underscore that both humoral and innate immune arms are vulnerable to iron scarcity. The study further reports a positive correlation between serum iron and key cytokine concentrations, offering a mechanistic link between iron stores and cytokine-mediated cell signalling. Restoration of iron balance was proposed as a strategy to normalise immune indices and reduce infection risk in resource-limited contexts.

Iron Deficiency and Immune Function publication trend

The graph below shows the total number of articles in iron deficiency and immune function across all publications each year (not limited to Nature Index journals).

Technical terms

Iron deficiency: A state in which body iron reserves are insufficient to meet physiological needs, often leading to reduced haemoglobin synthesis and impaired cellular functions.

Anaemia: A reduction in circulating red blood cell mass or haemoglobin concentration, frequently caused by iron shortage but also by chronic disease or genetic disorders.

Dendritic cell: A specialised antigen-presenting cell that processes and presents foreign antigens to T lymphocytes, bridging innate and adaptive immunity.

Phagocytic activity: The process by which macrophages and neutrophils engulf and destroy pathogens or debris, generating reactive oxygen species to kill ingested microbes.

Cytokines: Small secreted proteins, such as interleukin-6, that regulate immune cell growth, differentiation and coordination of inflammatory responses.

References

1. Iron Deficiency Impairs Dendritic Cell Development and Function, Compromising Host Anti‐Infection Capacity. Advanced Science (2025).
2. Impact of iron deficiency anemia on the function of the immune system in children. Medicine (2016).