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 Sources: - 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