Which mineral is necessary for the transport of oxygen in the blood?

Iron is essential for the transport of oxygen in the blood because it is a key component of hemoglobin, the protein in red blood cells that binds oxygen. When blood is oxygenated in the lungs, iron within hemoglobin interacts with oxygen molecules, allowing the red blood cells to carry oxygen to tissues throughout the body. Without sufficient iron, the body cannot produce adequate hemoglobin, leading to reduced oxygen transport and potentially resulting in symptoms like fatigue and weakness.

While calcium, magnesium, and zinc play important roles in various physiological functions, they do not have a direct role in the transport of oxygen. Calcium is crucial for bone health and muscle function, magnesium is involved in energy production and enzyme function, and zinc is important for immune function and DNA synthesis. Thus, iron stands out as the critical mineral necessary for oxygen transport specifically.