Iron is a trace mineral found in every cell of the body. Iron is an essential mineral for humans because it is part of blood cells.
Alternative Names:
Diet - iron
Function:
Iron is part of hemoglobin in red blood cells and myoglobin in muscles. The role of both of these molecules is to carry oxygen. Iron also makes up part of many proteins and enzymes in the body.
Review Date: 10/27/2004
Reviewed By: Kevin Pho, M.D., Attending, Internal Medicine, Boston VA Medical Center, Boston, MA. Review provided by VeriMed Healthcare Network.
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