Iron Flashcards
What is the total amount of iron typically found in an adult human body?
The adult body typically contains 3-4 grams of iron.
What are the forms in which iron is present in the body?
Iron is present as Ferrous (Fe2+) and Ferric (Fe3+).
Where is the majority of iron found in the human body?
The majority of iron in a 70 kg adult male is found in hemoglobin in red blood cells (2500 mg).
What are the primary roles of iron in the human body?
Iron is crucial for the transport and storage of oxygen (hemoglobin and myoglobin)
What are the main sources of heme iron?
Heme iron is primarily found in animal sources such as organ meats (liver
What daily amount of dietary iron is typically required?
The daily requirement is 1-2 mg/day.
What are the factors that increase iron requirement?
Iron requirement increases in premenopausal women (due to menstruation)
Where does iron absorption mainly occur in the body?
Iron absorption primarily occurs in the proximal duodenum.
What is the primary form of iron in the diet
and how is it absorbed?
What factors enhance iron absorption?
Vitamin C
What is hepcidin and its role in iron metabolism?
Hepcidin is a polypeptide produced by liver cells that regulates iron homeostasis by inhibiting iron release from macrophages
What are the causes of iron deficiency?
Iron deficiency can be caused by reduced intake
What are some of the causes of iron overload?
Iron overload can be caused by hereditary hemochromatosis
What are the effects of iron overload on the body?
Excess iron is deposited in tissues as hemosiderin
What are the common laboratory markers for assessing body iron status?
Common laboratory markers include serum iron levels
How does hepcidin production change in response to different conditions?
Hepcidin production increases during inflammation via interleukin 6 and decreases in response to iron deficiency
