
| What is Iron & Why It Matters? |
Iron plays a critical role in oxygen transport and cellular metabolism. As a key component of hemoglobin in red blood cells and myoglobin in muscle tissue, it enables the delivery and storage of oxygen necessary for energy production and muscle function. Beyond oxygen transport, iron is essential for physical growth, neurological development, hormone synthesis, DNA replication, enzymatic activity, and mitochondrial energy generation. Despite its vital functions, iron must be carefully regulated, as excess iron can promote the formation of reactive oxygen species, leading to oxidative damage of lipids, proteins, and nucleic acids. Iron deficiency remains the most prevalent nutritional deficiency worldwide, affecting an estimated 1.4 billion people.
FULL PDF DOWNLOAD: Iron Fact Sheet
