If an MRI is as powerful as advertised, why doesnt it pull the iron content out of our blood?

Answer 1

In human blood (and that of other animals), the iron is not carried around in tiny particles in the bloodstream. Instead, through a long series of chemical reactions, when you eat, or otherwise injest iron, the iron is converted to become part of a large molecule. For example, hemoglobin is a large organic molecule with lots of carbon and hydrogen and oxygen atoms surrounding a single iron atom.

The iron in the bloodstream is not in its same magnetic form as a bar of iron would be. The bar has the magnetic property of 'ferromagnetism' (which just means that it's strongly attracted/repelled by an external field). However in its ionised form inside the hemoglobin, iron is not ferromagnetic and cannot be affected by magnets.

If magnets had a serious impact on your blood flow, an MRI scan would probably blow you to bits.

Answer 2

Sodium, potassium and calcium are all metals, and there are lesser amounts of other metals. The hemoglobin molecule has iron in it, and that's why it's important, especially for people who are losing blood on a routine basis (like menstruating women), though even a small amount of supplement may be detrimental to the health of others. But it's good of you to investigate, rather than put a silly "good" or "bad" label on it, as so many want to do.

Answer 3

Iron in chemical combination is not influenced by magnets. Only metallic iron is influenced.