Iron

ABCDEFGHIJKLMNOPQRSTUVWXYZ
« Supplemental Index
Categories: Periodic Element

IronType: Lesser Element
Periodic Element: (Fe)
RDA: Males: 10 mg; Females: 15 mg- about 16 mg in adults
Importance- To Body:
Component of hemoglobin, myoglobin which binds bulk of oxygen transported within red blood cells. Necessary for transport of oxygen to tissues, cellular oxidation. Component of cytochromes, which function in oxidative phosphorylation.
Distribution- In Body:
0.1 Approx. % of Body Mass
60% to 70% in hemoglobin; remainder in skeletal muscle, liver, spleen, bone marrow bound to ferritin; only 2% to 10% of dietary iron is absorbed because of mucosal barrier; lost from body in perspiration, etc.
Excess Effects:
Damage to Liver (Cirrhosis), Heart, Pancreas, Hemosiderin Deposits, Bloody Diarrhea
Deficiency Effects:
Iron-deficiency Anemia; Pallor, Fatigue, Gastrointestinal problems, Flatulence, Anorexia, Constipation, Paresthesias
Sources Food:
Liver, Egg Yolk, Red Meat, Shellfish, Beans, Dried Fruit, Nut, Raisins, Legumes, Molasses
Sources Environmental/Geographic:
None listed
Supplement Info:

Related Articles:
  • Iron and Your Hair
  • Supplemental: Manganese
    Acts with enzymes catalyzing synthesis of fatty acids, cholesterol, urea; needed for normal neural function, lactation, oxidation of carbohydrates, protein hydrolysis.
  • Supplemental: Copper
    Necessary for hemoglobin formation, maintenance of certain copper-containing enzymes, proper intestinal absorption of iron. Essential for manufacture of melanin, myelin,
  • Supplemental: Phosphorus
    Necessary for proper bone structure, intermediary metabolism, buffers, membranes. Component of bones and teeth, nucleic acids, proteins, phospholipids, Combines with coenzymes in various metabolic processes; ATP
  • How to Reset Your Metabolism After the Holidays
    Your metabolism can and should be different this year, and it starts by focusing on the most important areas for a reset. Read on to learn more.
« Supplemental Index