Trace elements/minerals etc. Flashcards
What is the easily absorbed form of iron?
Haem iron Fe2+
What is the insoluble form of iron?
Non-haem Fe3+
What are the main sources of haem iron?
Animal sources
What vitamin assists the conversion of Fe3+ iron to Fe2+ soluble iron?
Vitamin C
Where is iron most effectively absorbed?
The duodenum (first section) of the small intestine
How much do healthy people absorb from dietary iron?
5-10%
How much do iron deficient people absorb from dietary iron?
10-20%
What is the active site of oxygen uptake in the RBC?
The central atom of the haeme group in haemoglobin
Where is iron stored in the body?
Ferritin (iron storing protein - 40% in the liver) and haemosiderin - only found in cells
What transports iron?
Transferrin
How does the liver regulate iron movement?
Hepcidin synthesis and the synthesis of other proteins
What is the role of iron?
It is needed in RBCs (carry 70% of iron) to form haemoglobin
What does haemoglobin do?
Carries oxygen to all body tissues, carries some CO2 back to the lungs, involved in chemical reactions for respiration, synthesis of some neurotransmitters and collagen
Sources of iron
Seafood, animal products, lentils, beans
What is the daily requirement for iron for women 19-50?
18mg/day
