Chemically, the most common oxidation states of iron are iron (II) and iron (III). Iron shares many properties with other transition metals, including the other group 8 elements, ruthenium and osmium. Iron forms compounds in a wide range of oxidation states, −2 to +7.
Iron-rich foods include meat, eggs, leafy green vegetables and ready-made foods that have iron added to them. Infants and children need to get enough iron from their diets too.
Iron (Fe), chemical element and one of the transition elements, the most-used and cheapest metal. Iron makes up 5 percent of Earth’s crust and is second in abundance to aluminum among the metals.
Iron supplement benefits include anemia prevention and management, prevention of fatigue, improved athletic performance, hair growth, and more.
Iron is important for healthy brain development and growth in children, and for the normal production and function of various cells and hormones. Iron from food comes in two forms: heme and non-heme. Heme is found only in animal flesh like meat, poultry, and seafood.