Which mineral is essential for oxygen transport in the blood?

The essential mineral for oxygen transport in the blood is iron. This is due to its crucial role in the formation of hemoglobin, the protein in red blood cells responsible for carrying oxygen from the lungs to the body's tissues. Iron binds to oxygen molecules, allowing for efficient transport and delivery throughout the circulatory system. Without adequate iron, hemoglobin cannot form properly, leading to decreased oxygen-carrying capacity and potential conditions like anemia.

Each of the other minerals has important roles in the body but does not directly contribute to the transport of oxygen in the same significant way that iron does. For instance, zinc is involved in numerous enzymatic processes and immune function, calcium is key for bone health and muscle function, and potassium is vital for maintaining fluid balance and nerve function. However, none of them play a primary role in oxygen transport as iron does.