Iron

• Iron is a vital mineral crucial for hemoglobin production. Hemoglobin, a protein in red blood cells, carries oxygen to body tissues.
• Its primary function is maintaining healthy red blood cells and preventing iron-deficiency anemia (characterized by fatigue, weakness, and shortness of breath).
• Iron supplementation ensures adequate oxygen delivery to cells, supporting energy and well-being.

• Iron (Fe), atomic number 26, is a first transition series metal.
• Chemical Structure: Atomic number: 26; Atomic mass: 55.847(3) u; Electron configuration: [Ar] 3d6 4s2.
• IUPAC Name: Iron (Latin: ferrum).
• Key Structural Features:
  • Crystal structure: Body-centered cubic (BCC) at room temperature, transforming to face-centered cubic (FCC) above 912°C.
  • Atomic radius: ~124 pm.
  • Electronegativity: 1.83 (Pauling scale).
  • Oxidation states: +2, +3, +4, +5, +6.
• Properties:
  • Physical: Silver-gray metal; melting point 1538°C; boiling point 2862°C; highly ductile.
  • Chemical: Highly reactive; forms compounds with oxygen, carbon, and sulfur; susceptible to corrosion.
  • Magnetic: Ferromagnetic (Note: The original text cuts off here)

Natural Sources:

• Dietary Sources: Red meat, poultry, fish, legumes, nuts and seeds, whole grains, leafy greens.
• Earth's Crust: Iron ore deposits (hematite (Fe2O3), magnetite (Fe3O4), siderite (FeCO3)), iron-rich soil and rocks.

Extraction/Synthesis Methods:

• Mining and Smelting: Iron ore extraction and smelting to produce pure iron.
• Refining: Processes like electrolysis for high-purity iron.
• Synthetic Production: Chemical reactions (e.g., iron oxide reduction with hydrogen or carbon).
• Ferrous Sulfate Production: Reaction of iron with sulfuric acid.

Supplement Forms and Quality Considerations:

• Ferrous sulfate (commonly used, well-tolerated, effective).
• Ferrous gluconate (for sensitive stomachs).
• Iron citrate (highly bioavailable).
• Heme iron (from animal sources, easily absorbed).
• Quality Considerations: (Note: This section is incomplete in the original text)