Limited information is available on iron nutriture of the elderly. Therefore, a study was carried out to assess the iron nutritional status of a selected group of elderly black persons in Washington, D.C. The sample consisted of 186 black, low-income persons (130 females and 56 males) between 60 and 94 years of age. Red blood cell indices were determined using a model S Coulter counter. Serum ferritin was assayed immunoradiometrically. Three-day dietary records were evaluated to determine iron intakes. Forty-three females (33%) and 27 males (48%) had hemoglobin values less than 12 and 14 g % respectively. Iron deficiency (serum ferritin<20 ng/ml) was found among 12 males (21%) and 31 females (23%). Forty-one percent of the subjects consumed less than the recommended dietary allowance for iron. Significant correlations were obtained between average daily intake of iron and each of the red blood cell indices (p<0.001) and serum ferritin (p<0.05). Significant correlations were also obtained between serum ferritin and both hemoglobin and hematocrit (P<0.01). It was concluded that a relatively high prevalence of iron deficiency existed among the subjects and that iron deficiency contributed to the low hemoglobin levels.