Iron Deficiency Flashcards
Where does iron absorption primarily occur?
Duodenum
What factors enhance iron absorption?
Haem iron (from red meat)
Increased acidity
Alcohol
What factors inhibit iron absorption?
Tannins (e.g. teas)
Phytates (e.g. cereal)
Calcium
What is the most important negative regulator in iron feedback?
Hepcidin
Acts by binding to ferroportin, causing degradation.
What molecules transports iron?
Transferrin
How is storage iron measured?
Using serum ferritin levels.
How many iron atoms can bind to a single transferrin molecule?
Two
What is a normal transferrin saturation level?
20-50%
If lower, deficient.
If higher, overload.
What drops first in iron deficiency?
Iron stores will decrease.
Anaemia presents after iron stores.
How does reduced iron affect MCV and MCH?
Both are reduced.
Produces microcytic anaemia.
What are sideroblastic anaemias?
Disorders of incorporating iron into RBCs.
There is no issue with iron stores.
Is iron deficiency a diagnosis?
No, it is a symptom, look for an underlying cause.
What are causes of iron deficiency?
Poor dietary intake
Bleeding
Malabsorption
What are causes of chronic blood loss that can produce iron deficiency?
Menorrhagia
GI
Haematuria
What is haem broken down into?
Iron
Porphyrin ring - this is made into unconjugated bilirubin.
