Iron, an essential part of al living beings, is a very significant element without which no human being can exist. The unique characteristic of iron is that it is an electron donor as well as a receiver. Iron exists in several different foods as both plants and animals use it.

Three to four grams of iron is to be found in the blood stream of an average person in a typical developed country. Hemoglobin, the carrier of oxygen all through the blood, has two and half grams of this iron. For cell processes, four hundred milligrams of the iron are utilized by cellular proteins, like oxygen storages. The liver, bone marrow and spleen also act as storage points of some of the iron. Because of the significance of iron, iron regulation and metabolism are very greatly important.

To much of a Good thing

Defective iron metabolism adds up too much iron in the body. Excessive iron being toxic, it is dangerous when there is a very great amount of iron in the body and not controlled by transferrin, iron in to oxidation takes place.

Excessive iron in the body is the result of too slow iron metabolism. In consequence of this, cells in the liver, the heart, and other organs suffer severe damage. The body can regulate iron in the diet and so iron intoxication is a rare occurrence. If this takes place, it is due to excessive use of iron tablets or supplements. Iron in to oxidation is found in diseases affected by iron metabolism.

If iron metabolism is very fast iron deficiency will result. There are other causes for iron deficiency besides fast iron metabolism. One of the causes may be the inadequacy of nutrients. Increased demand for, or loss of iron, can also be a factor. The body due to some problem may not absorb iron prolonged problems like anemia may result from fast iron metabolism and an iron deficiency. Anemia is characterized by weakness, fatigue, pallor and irritability. Anemia can be set right with iron supplements.