In this study, the effects of iron depletion and repletion on biochemical and molecular indices of iron status were investigated in growing male Wistar rats. We hypothesized that iron from Moringa leaves could overcome the effects of iron deficiency and modulate the expression of iron responsive genes better than conventional iron supplements Iron deficiency was induced by feeding rats an iron deficient (ID) diet for ten weeks, while control rats were maintained on an iron sufficient diet (35.0 mg Fe/kg diet). After the depletion period, animals were repleted with different source of iron, in combination with ascorbic acid. Iron deficiency caused a significant (p < 0.05) decrease in serum iron and ferritin levels by 57% and 40%, respectively, as compared to non-depleted control animals. Significant changes in the expression (0.5 to100 fold) of liver hepcidin (HAMP), transferrin, transferrin receptor-2, hemochromatosis type-2, ferroportin 1, ceruloplasmin, and ferritin-H were recorded in iron depleted and repleted rats, as compared to non-depleted rats (p < 0.05). Dietary iron from Moringa leaf was found to be superior compared to ferric citrate in overcoming the effects of iron deficiency in rats. These results suggest that changes in the relative expression of liver hepcidin mRNA can be used as a sensitive molecular marker for iron deficiency.