Iron is an essential micronutrient for the proper functioning of most organisms. This element is used in oxygen transport, myelin and neurotransmitters synthesis, cell cycle and synthesis of nucleic acids. The importance of iron in the maturation of lymphocytes and proper functioning of the eye is also stressed. Newborns are particularly sensitive to imbalances in iron metabolism. Iron deficiency during pregnancy carries serious clinical consequences. It seems that a key role in the transport of iron between mother and fetus is plays by hepcidin and, described in 2010 zyklopen. The physiological role of proteins involved in iron metabolism and transport of this metal by the placenta are described in this paper.