Needs for Iron Iron is needed in the body to prevent iron- deficiency anaemia, for the immune system, for carrying oxygen throughout the body as Haemoglobin and for helping with energy production as Cytochromes RDA for women under 50 years of age is 18 mgr. and 10 mgr. after age 51

Iron Deficiency Iron deficiency affects 50% women under age 45. Rare in men It can be caused by menstrual loss, poor absorption, and/or a poor diet. Its symptoms are –fatigue, –cold hands and feet –loss of appetite, –increased irritability, –poor quality fingernails, headaches, and paleness.

Iron is very active chemically.  Binds non-specifically to many proteins and destroys their structures.  Acts catalytically in oxidation of unsaturated lipids in cellular membranes. Therefore Iron is always found in bound form. Very little free iron in blood plasma –stops bacteria growing in blood. Therefore does NOT get excreted.

Iron is lost from the body only by:  bleeding  sloughing off of cells (lining of gut)  menstrual flow  transfer to a developing fetus. The body's iron content is regulated by controlling absorption.

How to Increasing Iron Uptake  Eat lean meat, skinless poultry, and fish  high in absorbable iron.  Meat fish and poultry effect  increases uptake from other sources  Vitamin C-rich fruits and vegetables:.  It can almost double absorption.  Avoid tea and coffee 1 hr. before or 2 hr after meals  decrease iron absorption up to one-third.

Iron metabolism disorders : Iron deficiency and iron overload diseases: afflict more than a billion people worldwide. iron overload, Haemochromatosis is the most common human genetic disorder Affecting up to 1 in 200 Caucasian Americans, Causes diabetes, impotence, arrhythmia and liver failure

Dietary Iron There are two major forms of dietary iron.  Haem iron,  found primarily in red meats, is the most easily absorbed form.  Other forms of iron are tightly bound.  Cooking increase iron availability. –In some iron-rich foods it is non-absorbable.  eg spinach. Has oxalate, -->> non-absorbable.  Phytates, present in unleavened bread

Cause of excess body iron. Idiopathic hemochromatosis excess iron is absorbtion. Multiple transfusions beta-thalassemia, needs haem supplied by blood transfusion

Treatment of excess iron storage Involves artificial removal of iron from the body. Bleeding is the treatment of choice for idiopathic hemochromatosis. Blood donation Bleeding is No good for beta-thalassemia instead chelators are administered which bind iron. Chelated iron is excreted in the urine.