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Human iron metabolism is the set of chemical reactions that maintain human homeostasis of iron at the systemic and cellular level. Iron is both necessary to the body and potentially toxic. Controlling iron levels in the body is a critically important part of many aspects of human health and disease.
Virtually every cell in the body requires iron in order to function well. Iron is involved in key bodily processes, including the transportation of oxygen in the blood. It also plays a central ...
The most common type is iron-deficiency anemia, in which a lack of iron leads to a reduction in the number of red blood cells or hemoglobin. This can impair oxygen transport throughout the body.
Absorption of dietary iron in iron salt form (as in most supplements) varies somewhat according to the body's need for iron, and is usually between 10% and 20% of iron intake. Absorption of iron from animal products, and some plant products, is in the form of heme iron, and is more efficient, allowing absorption of from 15% to 35% of intake.
Iron deficiency, or sideropenia, is the state in which a body lacks enough iron to supply its needs. Iron is present in all cells in the human body and has several vital functions, such as carrying oxygen to the tissues from the lungs as a key component of the hemoglobin protein, acting as a transport medium for electrons within the cells in the form of cytochromes, and facilitating oxygen ...
Latent iron deficiency (LID), also called iron-deficient erythropoiesis, [1] is a medical condition in which there is evidence of iron deficiency without anemia (normal hemoglobin level). [2] It is important to assess this condition because individuals with latent iron deficiency may develop iron-deficiency anemia.
Iron is a mineral that is important in the formation of red blood cells in the body, particularly as a critical component of hemoglobin. [23] About 70% of the iron found in the body is bound to hemoglobin. [14] Iron is primarily absorbed in the small intestine, in particular the duodenum and jejunum.
[1] [2] [3] IV iron infusions are recommended when oral iron supplementation fails to adequately restore iron and haemoglobin levels in the blood. The intravenous method is a fast and effective way of delivering iron throughout the body, used as iron can be administered instantly rather than gradually over time.