Human iron metabolism

Cellular iron homeostasis

Human iron metabolism is the set of chemical reactions maintaining human homeostasis of iron at both 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. Hematologists have been especially interested in systemic iron metabolism because iron is essential for red blood cells, where most of the human body's iron is contained. Understanding iron metabolism is also important for understanding diseases of iron overload, such as hereditary hemochromatosis, and iron deficiency, such as iron-deficiency anemia.

Iron absorption

Iron absorption refers to the amount of dietary iron that the body obtains and uses from food. Healthy adults absorb about 10% to 15% of dietary iron, but individual absorption is influenced by several factors, including the body's iron stores, the type of iron in the diet, and the individual's iron needs.

Iron transport

Iron transport involves the movement of iron from absorption sites in the duodenum and upper jejunum to all tissues and organs of the body. Iron is transported across the cell membrane by a carrier protein known as transferrin.

Iron storage

Iron storage is primarily in the liver and the reticuloendothelial system. Iron is stored in the form of ferritin or hemosiderin. The amount of iron stored is regulated by a balance between iron uptake and loss.

Iron homeostasis

Iron homeostasis refers to the regulation of iron balance in the body to ensure an adequate supply of iron to various organs while simultaneously preventing the toxic effects of excess iron. The body's iron balance is controlled mainly by regulating absorption of dietary iron and its distribution to various tissues.

Iron deficiency and overload

Iron deficiency and overload are significant health problems worldwide. Iron deficiency, the most common nutritional deficiency, can lead to anemia and impaired cognitive development in children, while iron overload can result in organ damage, particularly to the liver and heart.

See also

• Iron
• Transferrin
• Ferritin
• Hemosiderin
• Hereditary hemochromatosis
• Iron-deficiency anemia

Nutrition information of Human iron metabolism

• USDA on Human iron metabolism

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