Iron Fe

Atomic Number: 26
Atomic Weight: 55.845

Human Physiology:

• Necessary for hemoglobin and myoglobin formation
• RDA

Prevalence:

• 4th most abundant element , making up 4.7% of the earths' crust

Source:

• Red meat
• Organ meats, e.g. liver
• Whole grains
• Shrimp, tuna, oysters
• Molasses
• Potatoes, kidney beans, legumes
• Tofu
• Dried fruit

Deficiency:

• Anemia
• Low energy
• Lowered immune system
• Increased absorption of lead and cadmium
• Turns sclera (whites of the eyes) blue
• Increases insulin sensitivity

Excess:

• Iron overload including genetic disorder, hemochromotosis can cause fatigue, arthropathy and heart failure.
• Acute toxicity can be lethal.