Question

What are the functions of Iron in the body?

Answer 1

Hint: Iron is one of the essential minerals which is important for the proper functioning of our body. It is one of the chief constituents of haemoglobin present in our blood. It is also part of many proteins and enzymes which are needed for the functioning of our body.

Complete answer:
Iron is an essential element that is vital in all living beings. The role of iron is essential for carrying out physiology and several other life processes. The most important role of iron is it is the chief element that is present in the haemoglobin. Haemoglobin is the oxygen carrier present in our blood. The central molecule of haemoglobin is iron. The iron forms bond with oxygen and forms oxy-haemoglobin which leads to the transport of oxygen from the lungs to various parts of the body.

The other vital functions of iron are:
- It helps in converting blood sugar into energy.
- Iron is essential for the growth and development of muscles. It is the chief component of myoglobin present in the muscles.
- Iron acts as an immune booster.
- Iron is essential for providing strength to nails, hairs and skin.
- Iron also plays an essential role in the enzyme system of our body.
- It also helps in the production of blood.

Note: The iron is stored in the liver. Iron is taken in our body through diet. The deficiency of iron can lead to anaemia in which due to the deficiency of iron, the person is not able to transport oxygen in the body. This leads to fatigue, breathlessness. Excess intake of iron can damage the GI tract.