Which mineral is essential for oxygen transport in the blood?

Iron is essential for oxygen transport in the blood because it is a critical component of hemoglobin, the protein in red blood cells responsible for binding oxygen in the lungs and releasing it to tissues throughout the body. Each hemoglobin molecule can carry four oxygen molecules, and iron allows for this binding process to occur efficiently.

Inadequate iron levels can lead to reduced hemoglobin production, resulting in conditions like iron-deficiency anemia, where the body struggles to transport sufficient oxygen to meet its needs. This highlights the importance of iron in maintaining overall health and facilitating metabolic processes that rely on oxygen.

The other minerals listed, while important in various bodily functions, do not play a direct and critical role in the transport of oxygen in the blood. Calcium is mainly involved in bone health and muscle function, magnesium is important for enzymatic reactions and muscle function, and sodium primarily regulates fluid balance and nerve impulses.