Iron

A Group 8 transition metal, chemical symbol Fe. It forms salts in either the ferrous (iron(II)) or the ferric (iron(III)) oxidation states. An essential mineral, iron is needed to make haemoglobin, ferritin, lactoferrin, cytochromes, and other haemoproteins; dietary iron deficiency can lead to anaemia, and fortification uses iron salts such as ferrous sulfate. Red meat, meat products, cereals, and green vegetables are good iron sources — though bioavailability is influenced by other dietary chemicals such as calcium and phytates present in foods.