Which mineral is crucial for oxygen transport in the blood?

Iron is crucial for oxygen transport in the blood because it is a key component of hemoglobin, the protein in red blood cells that binds to oxygen. When red blood cells circulate through the lungs, hemoglobin captures the oxygen, enabling its transport to tissues and organs throughout the body. The presence of iron in the heme group allows hemoglobin to change its shape to efficiently pick up oxygen in the lungs and release it in areas where it’s needed.

Without adequate iron, the production of hemoglobin is impaired, leading to reduced oxygen-carrying capacity and resulting in symptoms such as fatigue, weakness, and decreased immunity, which are characteristic of iron deficiency anemia. This highlights the importance of iron not just for its essential role in oxygen transport but also for overall metabolic health.