Why is iron so important for our bodies?

Iron is a mineral needed by our bodies. Iron is a part of all cells and does many things in our bodies. As part of the protein hemoglobin, it carries oxygen from our lungs throughout our bodies. Having too little hemoglobin is called anemia. Iron also helps our muscles store and use oxygen. When our bodies dont have enough iron, many parts of our bodies are affected. Iron deficiency anaemia affects millions. It can affect anyone, but it is a more pressing problem in many developing countries. According to WHO, iron deficiency and anaemia lies hidden in the statistics of overall death rates, maternal haemorrhage, reduced school performance and lowered productivity. Among the worst negative effect on health, iron deficiency can delay normal infant motor function (normal activity and movement) or mental function (normal thinking and processing skills). Signs and symptoms of iron deficiency include: feeling tired and weak, decreased work and school performance, slow cognitive and social development during childhood, difficulty maintaining body temperature, decreased immune function, which increases susceptibility to infection, glossitis (an inflamed tongue). ...

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