Hemoglobin is the iron-containing protein found in red blood cells that is responsible for transporting oxygen from the lungs to the rest of the body.
Iron is a critical component of hemoglobin; without sufficient iron, the body cannot produce enough healthy red blood cells.
A deficiency of iron leads to a condition known as iron-deficiency anemia, which results in fatigue, weakness, and poor oxygen transport.
Let’s look at the other options:
- Calcium is important for bones and teeth, not for hemoglobin.
- Iodine is essential for thyroid function, not blood formation.
- Sodium is crucial for nerve function and fluid balance, but not directly involved in hemoglobin production.
Thus, the correct mineral required to prevent anemia and aid hemoglobin synthesis is iron.