Iron taken in excess is stored in two forms ferritin and hemosiderin. Iron that is not used for erythropoiesis is stored in the mononuclear phagocytic system (MPS) or the reticloendothelial (RE) cells of the bone marrow, liver, and spleen.
The body transports iron in hemoglobin which is the substance in the red blood cells which binds to oxygen to transport to the whole body.
Iron is part of the haemoglobin molecule. Oxygen binds with iron to be transported around the body.
Serum ferritin levels are considered the best indicator of iron stores in the body. Ferritin is a protein that stores iron, so measuring its levels in the blood can provide valuable information about the body's iron status.
The relationship between iron stores and the percentage of iron absorbed is inversely correlated. When iron stores are low, the body increases the absorption of dietary iron to compensate for the deficiency, leading to a higher percentage of iron absorbed. Conversely, when iron stores are sufficient or high, the body reduces absorption, resulting in a lower percentage of iron absorbed. This regulatory mechanism helps maintain iron homeostasis in the body.
In plasma, iron is transported bound to a protein called transferrin. Transferrin helps to deliver iron to cells throughout the body, where it is necessary for various biological functions.
spleem
Zinc and iron are transported in the blood by specific proteins. Zinc is primarily carried by a protein called albumin and also by metallothioneins. Iron is mainly transported by transferrin, which binds to iron ions to facilitate their transport to various tissues and organs in the body. Both metals play crucial roles in numerous biological processes, including enzyme function and oxygen transport.
Calcium aids in the absorption of iron in the body by helping to regulate the production of a protein called ferritin, which stores iron in the body. Calcium also competes with iron for absorption in the intestines, which can help prevent excessive iron absorption.
Iron bonds with oxygen redily and is thus transported molecularly to the individual cells through the bloodstream. The oxygen is used in cellular respiration.
liver
The body primarily gets rid of excess iron through a protein called ferritin, which stores and releases iron as needed. When iron levels are high, the body can also regulate absorption in the intestines to prevent excess iron intake. In cases of extreme excess, the body can excrete iron through urine or bile.
Ferritin is a protein that stores iron and releases it in a controlled fashion. Hence, the body has a "buffer" against iron deficiency (if the blood has too little iron, ferritin can release more) and, to a lesser extent, iron overload (if the blood and tissues of the body have too much iron, ferritin can help to store the excess iron).
Low iron stores in the body can be caused by several factors, including inadequate dietary intake of iron-rich foods, poor absorption of iron due to gastrointestinal disorders (like celiac disease or inflammatory bowel disease), and chronic blood loss from conditions such as heavy menstrual periods or gastrointestinal bleeding. Additionally, increased iron requirements during periods of growth, pregnancy, or intense physical activity can contribute to depleted iron stores.