body system
Red blood cells
Cells that use haemoglobin to carry oxygen through the body.
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About Red blood cells
Iron is a core component of haemoglobin. This normal physiological role is distinct from diagnosing or treating iron deficiency.
Why is iron in a meal not the same as iron absorbed?Related topics
Iron is part of haemoglobin in Red blood cells
The body uses iron to make haemoglobin, the protein in red blood cells that carries oxygen.
Evidence: Established · Source checked 2026-09-04 · Sources: NIH Office of Dietary Supplements: Iron: Fact Sheet for Health Professionals
Vitamin B9 (folate) supports formation of Red blood cells
Folate-dependent nucleotide synthesis supports division of red-blood-cell precursors.
Evidence: Established · Source checked 2026-09-05 · Sources: NIH Office of Dietary Supplements: Folate: Fact Sheet for Health Professionals
Vitamin B12 (cobalamin) supports formation of Red blood cells
Vitamin B12 supports DNA synthesis needed for normal red-blood-cell formation.
Evidence: Established · Source checked 2026-09-05 · Sources: NIH Office of Dietary Supplements: Vitamin B12: Fact Sheet for Health Professionals
Copper supports iron use in Red blood cells
Copper-dependent proteins support iron transport and use in normal blood formation.
Evidence: Established · Source checked 2026-09-05 · Sources: NIH Office of Dietary Supplements: Copper: Fact Sheet for Health Professionals
References
Source-checked local draft.
Human editorial review pending.
- NIH Office of Dietary Supplements (opens in new tab)Iron: Fact Sheet for Health ProfessionalsChecked 2026-09-05
- NIH Office of Dietary Supplements (opens in new tab)Folate: Fact Sheet for Health ProfessionalsChecked 2026-09-05
- NIH Office of Dietary Supplements (opens in new tab)Vitamin B12: Fact Sheet for Health ProfessionalsChecked 2026-09-04
- NIH Office of Dietary Supplements (opens in new tab)Copper: Fact Sheet for Health ProfessionalsChecked 2026-09-05