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Iron
Iron, one of the most abundant metals on Earth, is essential to most life
forms and to normal physiology. Iron is an integral part of many proteins and
enzymes that maintain good health. Iron is an essential component of proteins
involved in oxygen transport. It is also essential for the regulation of cell
growth and differentiation. A deficiency of iron limits oxygen delivery to
cells, resulting in fatigue, poor work performance, and decreased immunity.
Almost two-thirds of iron in the body is found in haemoglobin, the protein in red
blood cells that carries oxygen to tissues. Smaller amounts of iron are found in
myoglobin, a protein that helps supply oxygen to muscle, and in enzymes that
assist biochemical reactions. Iron is also found in proteins that store iron for
future needs and that transport iron in blood. Iron stores are regulated by
intestinal iron absorption.