W8-L1: Trace Minerals - Iron Flashcards
What are Trace Minerals?
Trace minerals are required in small amounts, typically < 100 mg/day.
What are Major Minerals?
Major minerals: minerals required by the body in relatively larger amounts (typically >100 mg/day)
What are the functions of Iron?
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- Oxygen Transport and Storage
- Energy Metabolism
- Immune Function
- Cognitive Function and Brain Health
- Growth and Development
- DNA Synthesis and Cell Division
How does Iron function in
Oxygen Transport and Storage?
Haemoglobin: protein in red blood cells responsible for transporting oxygen from the lungs throughout the body.
Myoglobin: In muscles, myoglobin binds and stores oxygen, releasing it during muscle contraction - crucial for
maintaining endurance and muscle function.
How does Iron function in
Energy Metabolism?
Cytochromes: Iron is an essential part of the ETC in mitochondria, where it helps facilitate ATP production (energy) through oxidative phosphorylation.
How does Iron function in
Immune Function?
necessary for the development and function of immune cells, such as T-cells
How does Iron function in
Cognitive Function & Brain Health?
Neurotransmitter synthesis: involved in the synthesis of neurotransmitters e.g. dopamine, serotonin, and
norepinephrine
Adequate iron is crucial for maintaining cognitive function, concentration, and memory
How does Iron function in
Growth and Development?
Iron is essential for proper fetal development, particularly for the development of red blood cells and brain function during pregnancy.
Childhood growth: In children, adequate iron is necessary for healthy growth and cognitive development
How does Iron function in
DNA Synthesis and Cell Division?
- Iron is a cofactor for several enzymes involved in DNA synthesis and cell division.
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Red blood cell production: Iron is necessary for the synthesis of haemoglobin in red blood cells, which are
constantly being produced in the bone marrow.
What is the RDA for iron?
8mg (males); 18mg (females)
females lose blood from menstural cycle
What are the 2 Types of Iron?
heme: blood based (in animals)
nonheme: non-blood based (harder to digest+absorb)
What boosts iron absorption?
Iron absorption boosted by vitamin C;
reduced by calcium, phytates (grains / seeds) and oxalates (dark leafy greens) tannins (tea and coffee)
Who is at risk of iron deficiency?
At risk:
- Menstruating females
- Vegetarians/vegans recommendations are 80% higher
- Gastrointestinal diseases (e.g. celiac disease)
- High performance athletes recommendations are 30 – 70% higher
Consequences: Tiredness, fatigue, weakness
What does iron deficiency lead to?
Anemia: pathological condition in which the number of red blood cells or hemoglobin within them is insufficient to meet the body’s physiological oxygen carrying needs (WHO)
How is iron deficiency determined?
Deficiency detected using a blood test:
- Serum ferritin (< 30μg/L)
- Hemoglobin (< 120g/L F; < 130g/L males)
What are the side effects of iron supplementation?
Associated with
gastrointestinal upset + constipation
How should Iron Supplementations be taken?
- Generally 100mg elemental start, taken at night
- Take with 200mg Vitamin C
- Takes 6 – 8 weeks to increase serum ferritin stores
What can Iron toxicity lead to?
can damage the liver, heart, pancreas, joints, and other organs.
Hemochromatosis is a genetic disorder that causes the body to absorb too much iron, leading to iron overload and toxicity
DIFFERENT IRON SALTS
What is Iron Diffusion?
LAST OPTION
- Used when oral iron is ineffective, not tolerated, or insufficient (e.g., severe deficiency, malabsorption, chronic blood loss).
- Administered intravenously over 15 minutes to a few hours, depending on the formulation.
- Increases iron stores more rapidly than oral supplements
- Typically requires a physician’s referral
