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Iron’s main role is to accept, carry and release oxygen. Most of the body’s iron is found in two
oxygen-carrying proteins – hemoglobin, a protein found in red blood cells, and myoglobin, which is
found in the muscle cells. Iron also serves as a cofactor to enzymes in oxidation/reduction reactions
(i.e., accepts or donates electrons). These reactions are vital to cells’ energy metabolism.
Iron requirements fluctuate throughout the life course. Iron needs increase during menstruation,
pregnancy, and periods of rapid growth such as early childhood and adolescence.
