Levels of total iron and available iron were estimated in the diets of individuals 1 year and older. The source of data was 1-day dietary recall records from the U.S. Department of Agriculture's 1977-78 Nationwide Food Consumption Survey. Total iron intakes of 1- to 2- and 3- to 5-year-old children were 51% and 77% of their respective RDAs. Total iron intakes of 12- to 50-year-old girls and women averaged only 55% to 61% of their RDA. Total iron intakes of other groups came close to or exceeded their respective RDAs. The proportion of total iron calculated to be available ranged from 6.5% to 8.7%, which is less than the 10% assumption of availability used as a basis for setting the iron RDA. When compared with the RDAs, total iron presented a more favorable picture of dietary iron intake than available iron. In relation to the RDAs, proportions of available iron were consistently lower than proportions of total iron. Available iron was lower than total iron in relation to recommended allowances because less than 10% of total dietary iron was available.