The function of iron, an essential mineral for human body



Iron is an essential mineral that is necessary for the body to function properly. It plays a crucial role in the production of red blood cells and in the transport of oxygen throughout the body. If the body does not get enough iron, it can lead to a condition called anemia. Iron is found in a variety of foods, including meat, beans, and grains, and is also available in supplement form. Some people may be at higher risk for iron deficiency, including women who are pregnant or breastfeeding, vegetarians, and people with certain medical conditions. If you are concerned about your iron intake or think you may be at risk for iron deficiency, it is important to talk to a healthcare provider.



The main function of iron is to help produce red blood cells and transport oxygen throughout the body. Red blood cells contain a protein called hemoglobin, which carries oxygen from the lungs to the rest of the body. Without enough iron, the body can't produce enough hemoglobin, which can lead to a deficiency in oxygen transport. This can cause fatigue, weakness, and other symptoms.



In addition to its role in oxygen transport, iron also has other functions in the body, including:



  • Supporting the immune system: Iron is necessary for the proper functioning of the immune system and can help the body fight off infections.
  • Facilitating brain development: Some research suggests that iron deficiency in infants and young children may lead to decreased cognitive abilities.
  • Improving exercise performance: Iron helps the body use oxygen more efficiently, which can improve exercise performance.
  • Reducing the risk of depression: Some research suggests that iron deficiency may increase the risk of developing depression.
It is important to note that more research is needed to fully understand the full range of functions of iron in the body. If you have any questions or concerns about your iron intake, it is important to speak with a healthcare provider.


The recommended intake of iron varies depending on age, gender, and physiological conditions. In general, men and non-menstruating women need less iron than women who are menstruating, pregnant, or breastfeeding.


Here are some general recommendations for daily iron intake (in milligrams):


  • Adult men (19-50 years old): 8 mg/day
  • Adult women (19-50 years old): 18 mg/day
  • Pregnant women: 27 mg/day
  • Breastfeeding women: 9 mg/day
  • Children (7-10 years old): 10 mg/day
  • Infants (0-6 months): 0.27 mg/day
  • Infants (7-12 months): 11 mg/day

These recommendations are for the minimum amount of iron that should be consumed daily.



There are many natural food sources of iron that can help you meet your daily needs. Here are some examples:


  • Meat: Beef, lamb, turkey, and ham are all good sources of iron.
  • Fish and seafood: Clams, oysters, crab, cod, and scallops are all high in iron.
  • Poultry: Chicken, turkey, and duck are all good sources of iron.
  • Beans: Tofu, tofu skin, bean curd, dried bean curd, soy milk, and bean sprouts are all high in iron.
  • Vegetables: Spinach, broccoli, kale, and celery are all good sources of iron.
  • Fruits: Mulberries, persimmons, strawberries, and apples are all high in iron.
  • Whole grains: Whole wheat bread, whole wheat pasta, whole wheat flour, and oatmeal are all good sources of iron.

In addition to these natural food sources, there are also forms of iron that are more easily absorbed by the body, such as ferrous sulfate and ferric gluconate. These forms of iron can be found naturally in some foods or can be made through food processing. If you are concerned about your iron intake, you may want to consider incorporating more natural sources of iron into your diet or using iron supplements. However, it is important to note that iron supplements may not be suitable for everyone, so it is important to talk to a healthcare provider before taking any supplements.


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