Introduction
It is an essential micronutrient required for
various biochemical processes within the
body.
Iron is a mineral that is vital for the proper
functioning of haemoglobin, myoglobin, and
various enzymes involved in energy
metabolism, DNA synthesis, and cellular
respiration.
From its role in oxygen transport to its
involvement in energy metabolism and DNA
synthesis, iron plays an indispensable part in
maintaining overall health.
Essentiality
Iron is classified as an
essential nutrient because
the body cannot produce it
on its own.
Therefore, it must be
obtained through dietary
sources to meet the body's
requirements.
FUNCTIONS :-
Iron serves several essential functions within the human body, playing a vital role in various
physiological processes.
Oxygen Transport :
- Iron is a key component of haemoglobin, the protein in red blood cells responsible for
transporting oxygen from the lungs to tissues throughout the body.
- Hemoglobin contains four iron atoms, which bind to oxygen molecules in the lungs and release
them in tissues where oxygen is needed for cellular respiration.
Energy Metabolism:
- Iron is a component of several enzymes involved in energy metabolism, particularly in the
electron transport chain of mitochondria.
- Cytochromes, a group of iron-containing proteins, play a critical role in facilitating electron
transfer reactions during cellular respiration, ultimately generating ATP, the energy currency of
cells.
DNA Synthesis and Repair:
- Iron is required for the activity of ribonucleotide reductase, an enzyme involved in the
conversion of ribonucleotides to deoxyribonucleotides, essential building blocks for DNA
synthesis.
- Iron also participates in DNA repair mechanisms, ensuring the integrity and stability of the
genetic material within cells.
Neurotransmitter Synthesis:
- Iron is a cofactor for enzymes involved in the synthesis of neurotransmitters, such as
dopamine and serotonin, in the brain.
- Enzymes like tyrosine hydroxylase, which converts the amino acid tyrosine to dopamine,
require iron for their activity, highlighting the importance of iron in neuronal function and
neurotransmission.
Factors Affecting Iron Absorption
ENHANCERS INHIBITORS
* Certain dietary factors can * Conversely, certain
enhance iron absorption , substances can inhibit iron
such as vitamin C (ascorbic absorption, including
acid) found in citrus fruits, phytates (found in grains
strawberries, and bell and legumes), polyphenols
peppers. (found in tea and coffee),
and calcium and tannins
* Consuming heme iron (found in dairy products and
alongside non-heme iron some beverages).
can also improve overall
iron absorption. *Consuming these inhibitors
alongside iron-rich foods
may reduce iron absorption.
Importance of Balanced Diet:
- Consuming a diverse and balanced
diet that includes both heme and non-
heme iron sources is essential for
meeting iron requirements.
- Vegetarians and vegans may need
to pay extra attention to their iron
intake and ensure adequate
consumption of non-heme iron
sources, along with incorporating
enhancers of iron absorption into their
meals.
Meeting the RDA for iron is essential for preventing
iron deficiency anemia and maintaining overall health
and well-being.
Factors influencing iron requirements include
physiological changes during growth and development,
menstrual losses in females, pregnancy-related
increases in blood volume and fetal iron demands, and
lactation.
However, excessive iron intake can lead to toxicity and
adverse health effects.
Therefore, it's important to obtain iron from a balanced
diet and consult healthcare professionals for
personalized dietary recommendations, especially for
individuals with specific health conditions or dietary restrictions.
Absorption, Transport, and
Storage
Iron absorption, transport, and storage
within the body are tightly regulated
processes essential for maintaining
iron homeostasis. Here's a detailed
exploration of each aspect:
1. Absorption of Iron:
2.
3. - Iron absorption primarily occurs in the
duodenum and upper small intestine.
4. - Two forms of dietary iron are absorbed:
heme iron (from animal sources) and non-
heme iron (from plant and fortified
sources).
5. - Heme iron is more efficiently absorbed
compared to non-heme iron, as it is readily
released from hemoglobin and myoglobin
in the acidic environment of the stomach.
- Non-heme iron absorption is influenced by
factors such as dietary enhancers (e.g., vitamin
2. Transport of Iron:
- Once absorbed, iron is transported in the
bloodstream bound to transferrin, a plasma
glycoprotein.
- Transferrin binds to iron in a reversible
manner, delivering it to various tissues
throughout the body.
- Iron bound to transferrin is primarily taken
up by cells expressing transferrin receptors,
such as erythroid precursor cells in the bone
marrow for hemoglobin synthesis.
3. Storage of Iron:
- Excess iron not immediately required for
metabolic processes is stored in the form of
ferritin and hemosiderin.
- Ferritin, a cytoplasmic protein complex,
serves as the primary storage form of iron
within cells.
- Hemosiderin, a complex of ferritin
aggregates, represents a more insoluble and
long-term storage form of iron.
- Iron stored in ferritin and hemosiderin is
mobilized and utilized when needed for
metabolic processes or erythropoiesis.
Mucosal Block Th eory
H om eostasis of iron in the body is
m ain tain ed by regulating iron
absorption, and not by its excretion.
W hen iron stores in the body are less
its absorption is increased.
O n the other han d,if iron stores are
adequate,then absorption is decreased.
This unique phenomenon of regulating
iron absorption is referred to as
mucosal block theory.
Iron-Related
Diseases
Iron-related diseases encompass a
spectrum of disorders characterized
by imbalances in iron metabolism,
leading to either iron deficiency or
iron overload. Here's a
comprehensive overview:
[Link] Deficiency Anemia:
2.
3. - Iron deficiency anemia is the most
common nutritional deficiency worldwide and
results from inadequate iron intake, impaired
absorption, increased iron requirements, or
chronic blood loss.
4. - Symptoms include fatigue, weakness,
pallor, shortness of breath, dizziness, and cold
extremities.
5. - Diagnosis is based on laboratory tests,
including serum ferritin, hemoglobin, and
transferrin saturation levels.
- Treatment involves iron supplementation,
dietary changes, and addressing the underlying
cause of iron deficiency, such as gastrointestinal
2. Iron Overload Disorders:
- Iron overload disorders result from
excessive iron accumulation in the body,
leading to tissue damage and organ
dysfunction.
- Hereditary hemochromatosis is a
genetic disorder characterized by
increased intestinal absorption of iron,
leading to systemic iron overload and
deposition in various organs, particularly
the liver, heart, and pancreas.
- Secondary iron overload can occur
due to conditions such as chronic
transfusion therapy, excessive dietary iron
- Symptoms of iron overload may include
fatigue, joint pain, abdominal pain, liver
dysfunction, diabetes, and cardiomyopathy.
- Diagnosis involves laboratory tests,
imaging studies, and genetic testing to assess
iron levels, organ damage, and underlying
genetic mutations.
- Treatment focuses on reducing iron levels
through therapeutic phlebotomy, iron
chelation therapy, dietary modifications, and
management of associated complications.
3. Anemia of Chronic
Disease:
- Anemia of chronic disease (also known
as anemia of inflammation) is a type of
anemia characterized by impaired iron
utilization and sequestration within
macrophages, resulting from chronic
inflammatory conditions such as infection,
autoimmune disorders, or malignancy.
- Inflammation-induced hepcidin
production leads to decreased iron
availability for erythropoiesis, contributing
- Treatment involves
addressing the underlying
inflammatory condition, along
with supportive measures such
as erythropoiesis-stimulating
agents and iron
supplementation in select cases.