Science - Iron and oxidation in the blood

Iron in the blood is oxidized when it binds Oxygen. The oxidation, or rusting, of Iron in hemoglobin gives oxygenated blood its brighter red color.

The scientific paper called “The interplay between iron and oxygen homeostasis with a particular focus on the heart“ by the National Institute of Health (NIH) states:

"Iron is an essential trace element found in all living organisms. It can exist in various oxidation states, but the ferrous (Fe2+) and ferric (Fe3+) ions occur most frequently. Most notably, iron-mediated oxidation-reduction reactions are essential to the metabolism of oxygen in living organisms. Oxygen utilization in oxidative phosphorylation requires electron transfer and oxygen activation by iron in iron-sulfur and heme groups, whereas oxygen activation by dioxygenases requires non-heme iron. In addition, the transport of oxygen itself requires reversible binding by heme iron in the hemoglobin molecule."

NIH also states "The amount of iron within the cell is carefully regulated in order to provide an adequate level of the micronutrient while preventing its accumulation to toxic levels. Iron excess is believed to generate oxidative stress, understood as an increase in the steady state concentration of oxygen radical intermediates."

Oxidative Stress is the cause of many diseases and DNA damage.

Qur'an - Iron and oxidation in the blood

Verse 83:14 describes the condition of the disbelievers, metaphorically portraying their hearts as rusted and concealed, thus obstructing their ability to perceive the divine illumination of Allah. As if there is a lock on their hearts. This predicament is a consequence of their own actions.

Nevertheless, the verse might also be highlighting a tangible aspect of the human body by mentioning the term "rust". As we know, the heart functions as the vital organ responsible for pumping blood. If rust is present within the heart, it suggests the occurrence of iron oxidation, indicating the presence of iron within the bloodstream.

كَلَّا بَلْ رَانَ عَلَىٰ قُلُوبِهِم مَّا كَانُوا۟ يَكْسِبُونَ

By no means! but their hearts are corroded by all [the evil] that which they were earning!  83:14