A survey of 10,000 British adults conducted by the Association found that three-quarters of 18 to 24- year-olds do not know that caffeine can restrict a person's intake of these vital minerals.
The HFMA's executive director, Graham Keen, said: "Micro-nutrients are essential for good health and wellbeing, and iron deficiency is a wide-scale issue which shouldn't be ignored - particularly for teenage girls.
"The public needs access to straightforward, responsible information about how essential vitamins and minerals work.
"Everyone should know that the best solution for most people is to consume key nutrients such as vitamins and minerals via as healthy a diet as possible.
"And it should also be recognised that a daily food supplement provides important insurance for millions looking to safeguard their nutritional intake."
It comes as another survey by consumer analysts Mintel found in the last year 61 per cent of British people have consumed a sports drink and 46 per cent a energy drink.
The report also reveals 54 per cent of British people claim to often feel tired, rising to 60 per cent among women.
Three out of four people said they are more fun to be around when they're feeling energetic, rising to 82 per cent among women, while two-thirds (64 per cent) said they get irritated easily when they're tired.
But while energy drinks might provide a temporary boost, there are documented health risks.
The drinks have been associated with a number of negative effects, including cardiovascular symptoms such as an irregular heartbeat, sleep impairment, nervousness and nausea.
A 2011 study carried out in the US reported on a number of cases where excessive caffeine consumption in energy drinks had been associated with effects such as "seizures, mania, stroke and sudden death".
Despite the health warnings, sales of energy drinks are rising, from 454 million litres sold in 2011 to an estimated 550 million litres predicted to fly off the shelves this year.
The drinks specifically claim to provide an energy or stimulant boost, supporting mental alertness and physical performance.
They generally include active ingredients such as glucose, caffeine or taurine, and may include other ingredients positioned as beneficial to health, such as ginseng and various vitamins and minerals.
But experts have warned that some 500ml cans of energy drinks contain the equivalent of more than 13 teaspoons of sugar and 160mg of caffeine - which is about the same as in four cans of cola.
The recommended daily limit for caffeine for adults is 400mg.
Iron deficiency facts
Symptoms: Aside from tiredness, other symptoms of iron deficiency include poor concentration, poor appetite, pale skin, dark circles under the eyes.
Recommended daily allowance (RDA): 14.8mg for women and 8.7mg for men.
What iron does: It's needed to make red blood cells. A component of haemoglobin, which transports oxygen round the body.
Who needs it: Iron deficiency is Britain's most common nutritional disorder, according to studies presented recently at the National Conference on Iron Deficiency in Infancy and Childhood.
Good sources: Red meat, eggs, green leafy vegetables. Vitamin C helps the absorption of iron, so it's a good idea to drink a glass of orange juice with a meat-based meal.
- Daily Mail
