The role of iron

Iron is an essential mineral which is present in all cells in the body and facilitates the normal formation of red blood cells and haemoglobin. It contributes to the transport of oxygen around the body and in reducing tiredness and exhaustion. Most of the iron (almost two-thirds) is found in haemoglobin, which provides oxygen to the body. The remainder is found in myoglobin (protein which provides the muscle tissue with oxygen), ferritin (protein which ensures correct use of iron in the body) and in several important enzymes, which help produce collagen.