Iron plays a role in the production of collagen and in the conversion of vitamin D to its active form. It is also a component of hemoglobin and myoglobin, two proteins responsible for delivering oxygen throughout the body, including to the tissues that support the spine.
A severe iron deficiency is not common, but can result in anemia. Overall, iron is not a key nutrient generally associated with bone health, but does contribute to other systems that assist in bone development.
Iron is found in many meat products such as liver, pork, fish and shellfish, red meat, and poultry; green leafy vegetables; and lentils; beans; soy; eggs; and whole grains.