/oss/taxonomy/term/3870/all en /oss/article/can-coffee-inhibit-absorption-iron <p>Iron is an essential dietary nutrient needed for the formation of hemoglobin, the complex protein that transports oxygen through the bloodstream and delivers it to cells where the oxygen is needed for the production of energy. It is a positively charged ion of iron (ferrous iron) embedded in hemoglobin ("heme iron") that actually binds oxygen. Iron is found in a variety of foods, especially meat since animals also rely on hemoglobin for oxygen transport.</p> Fri, 10 May 2019 19:29:28 +0000 Joe Schwarcz PhD 7753 at /oss