Iron (4)

• Myoglobin: Oxygen store in muscle

• Haemoglobin: Oxygen transport in blood

• Metalioproteins:

  • Ferritin: Iron storage

  • Cytochromes: Oxidation reduction reactions

  • Transferrin: Iron transport

Where is iron found in the body, and what is it’s role? (6)

40% Bound to haem

60% non-haem

What are the two kinds of sources of iron? - what is the percentage in a typical source?

Haem: 10% of daily intake. 

Non-haem: 90%

Which of the 2 kinds of iron do we consume more of, and in what percentage?

Haem. (25% conpared to 17%)

Which kind of iron is absorbed more easily?

Non-haem

What kind of iron is obtained from plants?

Organ meat, Shellfish, Lamb

Name 3 sources of haem iron

Nuts, Eggs, Raisins

Name 3 sources of non-haem iron

Vitamin C, Haem iron, Cooking, Gastric activity

What aspects enhance the absorption of iron? (4)

Soy protein, Tannins, Phytates/fibre, Calcium/phosphorous

What factors reduce the absorption of iron? (4)

• Decreased Hb → inability to mobilise oxygen → Fatigue

• Impaired neurotransmitter synthesis → decline in cognitive function → decreased concentration

• Decreased T-lymph synthesis → Impaired immune system → infection susceptibility 

• Decreased serotonin synthesis → Decreased pain threshold → increase pain

• Decreased release of thyrotropin-releasing hormone → Impaired heat regulation → Difficulty adapting to cold 

What is the pathophys of iron deficiency? (5)

• Athletes

• Malabsorption

• Pregnant/Breastfeeding

• Crash diets

• Vegetarians

• Low income

• Menstruation

What puts a population at risk of iron deficiency? (7)

Haemachromatosis

1 in 300 Australians

Deficiency of hepcidin hormone- excess iron deposited in heart and liver

What is the common cause of excess iron, the occurance rate and the basic pathophysiology?