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Iron is what binds to the oxygen in red blood cells (the hemoglobin and myoglobin): low iron (anemia) means that a large portion of red blood cells are unable to bind then carry the oxygen to other tissues in the body - they start to starve for oxygen. Too much Iron also is a problem but it rarely happens unless a person takes too much in a supplement (iron poisoning) or has a birth defect called hemochromatosis (dystopic blood-color: too much red )

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The amount of iron in the body is mostly regulated by?

The amount of iron in the body is primarily regulated by the hormone hepcidin, which helps control the absorption of iron from the intestines and the release of iron from storage in the body. Hepcidin levels are influenced by factors such as iron levels in the blood, the body's need for iron, and inflammation.


Which tissues of the body need iron?

Several tissues in the body require iron for proper functioning. These include red blood cells, which use iron to produce hemoglobin for oxygen transportation; muscles, which need iron for optimal oxygen uptake during exercise; and the brain, which relies on iron for normal cognitive function. Additionally, iron is also needed by the liver, spleen, and bone marrow for various metabolic processes.


How does the body get rid or excess iron?

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.


What is the best indicator of iron stores in 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.


Can the body produce iron or does it only come from food?

The body cannot produce iron on its own, so it must obtain iron from food sources. Iron is essential for the production of hemoglobin, which carries oxygen in the blood and is important for overall health.

Related Questions

What is the role of iron for the body?

you need iron for your blood and your thyroid.


Do you need iron in your cereal?

yes, because you need iron in your body but too much is also not good


What do your body and iron nails have in common?

The nail is made from iron and we need iron to keep us healthy x


The amount of iron in the body is mostly regulated by?

The amount of iron in the body is primarily regulated by the hormone hepcidin, which helps control the absorption of iron from the intestines and the release of iron from storage in the body. Hepcidin levels are influenced by factors such as iron levels in the blood, the body's need for iron, and inflammation.


For what does your body need iron providing food?

Iron is an important component for the parts of our blood that transports oxygen.


What body cells need iron?

Blood cells need iron as well as many other minerals such as sulfur, copper, zinc... Etc...


Why do humans need iron in their diet?

Humans need iron in their diet because it is a factor in regulating body temperature. Iron also helps support red blood cell health.


What does iron do for your body?

Iron is very much essential for your survival. Iron is essential for formation of hemoglobin. Hemoglobin is necessary to carry the oxygen via blood to the body cells. You can not survive with out oxygen. You will die say within five minutes with out oxygen. Iron is essential for many other vital enzymes in your body. You need only 3 to 5 milligrams of elemental Iron per day. Still most of the people are having Iron deficiency anemia. You need to use Iron utensil to cook the vegetables. It will give you enough Iron to prevent Iron deficiency anemia. Iron is much more precious than gold for your body.


Why do you need iron supplement if your body can recycle iron?

A person might be taking an iron supplement if they are not getting enough iron in their normal diet, for example a vegetarian. The other reason could be that the body isn't quite good enough at recycling anyway; naturally, some iron will get lost and will have to be replaced.


Why do you need iron?

Iron is an essential mineral that is necessary for the production of red blood cells, which carry oxygen throughout the body. Without enough iron, a person can develop iron deficiency anemia, leading to symptoms such as fatigue, weakness, and shortness of breath. Consuming iron-rich foods or supplements can help maintain healthy iron levels in the body.


Why do babies recover from injuries requeer extra iron?

iron helps the body strengthen and grow, and an injured baby will need to repair cells, so it needs more iron


Why do you have to take 975 mg of iron daily?

Because iron is contained in 'red blood cells' which are mandatory for your body, they hold onto the oxygen in your body and transport it. And without iron, you can get diagnosed with 'iron deficiency anemia' (symptoms: pale, tired, easy bruising, etc). and you would need to take iron supplements.