Essential mineral to most living organisms which is the most abundant trace element and it is combined with heme to provide stable hemoglobin synthesis
Iron
How many of the 3-5 grams of iron in our bodies is found in hemoglobin?
2-2.5
Regulation of iron is done through
• Dietary sources
• Absorption
• Iron “stores”
→ Iron is recycled when RBCs are broken down
Iron is absorbed in what state and where
ferrous state (Fe2+) in stomach or small intestines
Where is 25% of iron stored in?
liver, spleen and bone marrow as FERRITIN (FE3+)
T or F: Iron supplements will immediately raise hb levels
false, at least 6-8 weeks before changes are observed; not all iron is observed
Functions of iron
• Essential element of heme and hemoglobin
• Iron is not only found in hemoglobin
→ Component of methemoglobin, myoglobin, and some enzymes
• Cellular oxidative mechanisms
• Fetal Hemoglobin
→ Babies have this instead of the hemoglobin adults have
T or F: fetal hemoglobin has higher affinity for oxygen
true
What are the storage proteins of iron?
Ferritin (soluble)
Hemosiderin (insoluble)
What are the transport proteins of iron?
Apotransferrin
Transferrin
Storage protein which is the protein shell surrounding an iron core
Ferritin
- can convert iron inside the core into ferric iron for distribution to body cells
- provides a reserve of iron for formation of hemoglobin etc.
Partially deproteinized ferritin
hemosiderin
