We need the mineral iron primarily for growth and development, and because it is essential for creating proteins like hemoglobin and myoglobin, which transport oxygen throughout the body.
Iron is a vital mineral that our bodies rely on for several critical functions. According to the provided reference, it is needed for growth and development.
Here's a breakdown of the specific roles iron plays:
-
Making Hemoglobin: A key use of iron is in the production of hemoglobin.
- Hemoglobin is a protein found in red blood cells.
- Its main job is to carry oxygen.
- Hemoglobin transports oxygen from the lungs to all other parts of the body, ensuring every cell receives the oxygen it needs to function.
-
Making Myoglobin: Iron is also essential for making myoglobin.
- Myoglobin is a protein similar to hemoglobin but is found in muscle tissue.
- It provides oxygen directly to the muscles, which is especially important during physical activity.
In summary, iron's role in creating these oxygen-carrying proteins is fundamental to maintaining healthy growth, development, and overall bodily function.
