What mineral is critical for oxygen transport in the blood?

The mineral that is critical for oxygen transport in the blood is iron. Iron is an essential component of hemoglobin, the protein found in red blood cells that binds to oxygen in the lungs and carries it to tissues throughout the body. Hemoglobin's ability to carry oxygen depends significantly on the presence of iron; each hemoglobin molecule can transport four oxygen molecules because of the iron atoms that are part of its structure.

When there is a deficiency of iron in the body, it can lead to decreased hemoglobin production and may result in anemia, which manifests as fatigue and reduced physical performance due to insufficient oxygen reaching the body’s cells. This demonstrates why adequate iron intake is essential for maintaining effective oxygen transport and overall energy levels.