Iron is an essential mineral that is used to produce haemoglobin, the oxygen-carrying molecule in red blood cells. If the diet is not sufficient in iron, the level of haemoglobin will drop, causing the red blood cells to become small and pale, or microcytic hypochromic cells, resulting in Iron Deficiency Anaemia.
Goiter: Swelling of the thyroid gland is caused by a lack of iodine, not iron.
Scurvy: Swollen and bleeding gums are symptoms of the disease, which is caused by a lack of Vitamin C.
Rickets: In children, this disease results in bone deformities and softening due to a lack of Vitamin D, calcium, or phosphate.