A base body for an implant comprising a biocorrodible iron alloy including at least one of the following: (i) a biocorrodible iron alloy of formula Fe—P where P is 0.01-5 wt %, and Fe plus impurities account for the remainder up to 100 wt % or (ii) a biocorrodible iron alloy of formula Fe—Mn—X where Mn is 5-30 wt %, X is at least one of Pt, Pd, Ir, Rh, Re, Ru and Os, and X is 0-20 wt % and Fe plus impurities account for the remainder up to 100 wt % or (iii) a biocorrodible iron alloy of formula Fe—Z where Z is at least one of Pt, Ir and Os and Z is 5-30 wt %, and Fe plus impurities account for the remainder up to 100 wt %.