Iron, a crucial mineral, plays a role in keeping blood in good condition. Food iron comes in two forms: heme and non-heme iron. Heme is only present in animal flesh, such as meat, poultry, and shellfish. Plant foods rich in non-heme iron include whole grains, nuts, seeds, legumes, and leafy greens. Non-heme iron can also be present in animal meat (since animals consume non-heme iron-containing plant sources) and fortified foods. To know what everyday items are made of iron, the uses of iron in daily life, and fun facts about iron, keep reading.
1. Where is Iron found?
Iron is a key component of hemoglobin, a protein found in red blood cells that transports oxygen from the lungs to all areas of the body. There aren’t enough red blood cells to transfer oxygen if there isn’t enough iron, which causes weariness.
Around 70% of your body’s iron is found in red blood cells called hemoglobin and muscle cells called myoglobin. Hemoglobin is required for the delivery of oxygen from the lungs to the tissues in your blood. (See How much blood is in Your Body?)
2. What are Some Fun Facts about Iron?
Some fun facts about iron are listed below:
- Iron accounts for 90% of all refined metal. The majority of the material is used to manufacture steel, which is used to make a wide range of products, from skyscrapers to appliances.
- According to research, humans have been using iron for almost 5,000 years – the Bible cites iron several times, especially in the Old Testament.
- Iron is an essential nutrient in our diet. It is necessary for energy production, immunological function, and the storage of oxygen in our muscles. Iron can be found in a variety of foods, including animal meat and plant-based sources such as raw spinach and whole grains.
- The iron concentration of our blood causes it to be red, specifically the way iron interacts with oxygen and how these elements reflect light.
- Iron is essential for plant activity; it is found in chlorophyll, the pigment required for photosynthesis, in which plants use sunlight energy to make glucose from carbon dioxide and water.
- Iron is a significant component in the siderite meteorite class. According to research, ancient Egyptian iron beads manufactured circa 3200 B.C., were made from iron meteorites.
- Iron’s chemical symbol, Fe, is derived from the Latin word for the metal, Ferrum.
- Iron is a necessary mineral, but too much of it in our bodies can be hazardous. Iron at 20mg per kilogram of body weight is poisonous, while iron at 60 mg per kilogram is deadly. Having said that, many individuals do not get enough iron and suffer from anemia, a deficit in the amount or quality of red blood cells that causes exhaustion.
- The Iron Age succeeded the Bronze Age not because iron is superior to bronze, but because it is more plentiful and easier to deal with. Actually, bronze is tougher than iron.
- Despite being incredibly abundant, global iron resources will not last forever; scientists predict that there is just a century’s worth of mineable iron remaining on Earth based on current consumption rates and technological advances. However, an asteroid in the solar system has been discovered with enough iron to power the planet for a very long time. It’s called 16 Psyche, and it’s assumed to be a protoplanet’s exposed iron core.
3. Why do you need Iron?
The uses of iron in daily life are that it helps to move oxygen throughout the body. Iron is also required for the maintenance of healthy cells, skin, hair, and nails. (See Where are Most Triglycerides Stored in the Body?)
4. How much Iron do you need Daily?
The uses of iron in daily life are calculated in the following table:
| CATEGORY | RECOMMENDED DIETARY ALLOWANCE (RDA) |
| Children | |
| 7-12 months | 11 mg/day |
| 1-3 years | 7 mg/day |
| 4-8 years | 10 mg/day |
| 9-13 years | 8 mg/day |
| Female | |
| 14-18 years | 15 mg/day |
| 19-50 years | 18 mg/day |
| 51 years and over | 8 mg/day |
| Pregnant | 27 mg/day |
| Breastfeeding | 9-10 mg/day |
| Male | |
| 14-18 years | 11 mg/day |
| 19 years and up | 8 mg/day |
5. What Everyday Items are made of Iron?
- Nails
- Saws, hammers, drills, and virtually all other hand tools
- Tin-pressed ceilings
- Hinges
- Handles for doors
- Latching for windows
- Frames for windows
- Gas lamps (referring to the wall-mounted variety here)
- Conduit for electricity
- Water lines
- Gas lines
- Frames for chairs and sofas
- Grills for the fireplace
- Stoves
- Appliances for the home
- Cookware and cutlery
- Automobile components
- Grills for barbecuing
- Fitness equipment
- Plumbing
6. What are Some Uses of Iron in Daily Life?
Certain uses of iron in daily life are found in architecture, bearings, cutlery, medical tools, and jewelry. Carbon content in cast iron ranges from 3-5%. It is utilized in the manufacture of pipes, valves, and pumps. It is not as strong as steel, but it is less expensive. (See What are some simple machines in your house?)
7. What Industries use Iron?
Several businesses, including automobiles, infrastructure, machinery, and the iron and steel industries use iron. Because iron is a major ingredient in steel manufacture, certain of its qualities are transferred to the steel made using this raw material. Must see 7 Metal in Microwave Mythbusters Facts.
8. Are Nails made of Iron?
Steel nails are the most common, although they can be manufactured of stainless steel, iron, copper, aluminum, or bronze. Check out What Happens to Metal at High Temperature?
9. Which Food is Rich in Iron?
The uses of iron in daily life are immense for our health. Food contains two forms of iron: haem and non-haem. Haem iron, which is found in meat, poultry, and seafood, is more easily absorbed than non-haem iron, which is found in eggs and plant foods.
Iron sources derived from animals:
- Meats that are red (beef, lamb, veal, pork, kangaroo)
- Poultry
- Seafood
- Shellfish (salmon, sardines, tuna)
- Eggs
Plant-based iron sources:
Plant meals containing non-haem iron can nonetheless provide the body with an acceptable amount of iron. Sources to consider include:
- Nuts
- Stale fruit
- Bread and wholemeal pasta
- Bread with iron and breakfast cereal legumes (mixed beans, baked beans, lentils, chickpeas)
- Dark green leafy vegetables (spinach, silver beet, broccoli)
- Oats
- Tofu
10. Is Iron good for your Skin?
Yes, iron is as good as it is essential for the maintenance of healthy skin, mucous membranes, hair, and nails.
11. Is Iron helpful for Hair Growth?
Yes, iron aids in the production of hemoglobin, a protein found in red blood cells. It transports oxygen to your cells, allowing them to grow and heal. This contains cells in your body that promote hair growth. (Read What is a Hair Cowlick?)
