Tag: Iron and mood

According to scientific research, the answer is a definitive yes: a 2021 study confirms that iron (specifically ferrous iron, Fe2+) serves as a necessary cofactor for the enzyme tyrosine hydroxylase, which is critical for making dopamine. A deficiency in this key mineral can therefore significantly disrupt the brain's ability to produce this vital neurotransmitter, affecting movement, mood, and motivation.

The World Health Organization reports that iron deficiency is the most common nutritional disorder globally, affecting millions and frequently leading to subtle but significant neurological issues. Emerging evidence shows that this widespread deficiency can indeed cause low dopamine levels, a key neurotransmitter responsible for mood, motivation, and motor control.