Which mineral is critical for oxygen transport in the blood?

Iron is a vital mineral for oxygen transport in the blood because it is a core component of hemoglobin, the protein in red blood cells that binds to oxygen. Each hemoglobin molecule can carry up to four oxygen molecules due to the presence of iron, which allows for effective delivery of oxygen from the lungs to various tissues throughout the body.

Without adequate iron, the body may not produce sufficient healthy red blood cells, leading to reduced oxygen transport capacity, which can result in fatigue, weakness, and in severe cases, iron-deficiency anemia.

While other minerals like zinc, calcium, and magnesium play important roles in various bodily functions, they do not have the same direct involvement in oxygen transport as iron does. For instance, zinc is essential for immune function and enzyme reactions, calcium is critical for bone health and muscle contractions, and magnesium supports numerous biochemical reactions, including energy production, but none have the specific role in oxygen transport that iron holds.