Iron is an element of chemical properties and has the chemical symbol Fe and is atomic number 26. Because it is an element that is produced in the final stage of stellar nucleosysthesis and therefore a heavy metal that does not need a supernova or another similar cataclysmic event to form. It is no wonder then that they are widely spread through meteorites and the core of the Earth.

Iron is an extract of metal that needs to be taken away from iron ore to acquire elemental iron, which is done through chemical reduction. Iron is used a lot all over the world for mostly building work. It is very cheap to produce and market and it is of a very high strength so it makes it the perfect solution for many different things. These things are automobiles, hulls of ships, building components etc.

The different forms of iron include iron oxides to produce magnetic storage in computers, alloy steels used for structural reasons, wrought iron used for making iron gates, carbon steel, cast iron and pig iron, which has similar characteristics of cast iron. One of the principle downsides of pure iron is that although it is strong and cheap, it is prone to rusting heavily should it be exposed to water and air. Nowadays, iron is covered with bluing, plastic coating, galvanization, and painting to protect it from rusting.

Iron is an essential part of the human body. Consummation is needed to help the body fight bacterial and viral infections. The blood absorbs the iron and transports it to various cells around the body turning it into target proteins. Natural and healthy sources of iron include meat, farina, teff, molasses, whole grain flour, potatoes with skin, black-eyed peas, chickpeas, tofu, leaf vegetables, beans, lentils, poultry and fish. One must be careful with excessive iron in the body as it can become toxic. Free radicals can be produced when it is greater than the amount of transferrin.

Mineral supplements are very common nowadays, especially because people are wanting to be not only more health conscious, but also are always looking for the quickest solution. It is therefore no surprise that mineral supplements have been proven to be very popular because they are cheap, easy to produce and take no time to ingest. They are available worldwide in places such as pharmacies and can also be bought at local supermarkets, especially in places like the United States and Great Britain.

It is important to take supplements as advised and it is recommended to take a certain amount of vitamins and minerals everyday to help our immune system stay working at 100%. It is also advised not to overdose on certain vitamins and minerals as they may cause serious side effects and affect certain bodily processes. Supplements are generally taken both for maintaining regular health but also to treat deficiencies so therefore they come in different strengths and dosages. There are a number of brands that sell mineral supplements so it is worth finding out which one is best for you. The cheapest option may not always be the best.

If you are unsure about taking supplements, contact your doctor or pharmacist. He or she can advise you on the best plan of action and give you more information about specific vitamins and minerals. It is advised to seek consultation especially if you are pregnant or currently taking any medication as this can affect the intake of supplements. Go to a registered pharmacy and make sure you read all the instructions on dosage and follow them strictly. More information can be found on the Internet too.