Minerals are crucial components of a healthy diet. Iron is a mineral found in many foods, particularly in meats and green vegetables, and is a constituent part of the haemoglobin molecule, which carries oxygen in red blood cells. A deficiency of iron in a diet leads to the condition of anaemia - a lack of red blood cells - causing general weakness and lack of fitness. In addition, iron is also an important part of many enzymes, so any shortage can lead to severe metabolic problems.
