Iron

Iron is an essential mineral and is an important component of proteins involved in the transport of oxygen and metabolism. Almost 2/3 of it is in hemoglobin - the protein in red blood cells that carries oxygen to the tissues. Iron is necessary for the transport of oxygen through the body by the RBCs. The iron also promotes detoxification of the liver, fatty acid metabolism, the synthesis of carnitine and neurotransmitters serotonin and dopamine. Iron is an essential element for the production of collagen and elastin that provide structural integrity and elasticity of the organs and tissues.