Definition and vital roles of iron

Summary

Iron deficiency (sideropenia/hypoferremia) is the condition in which the body lacks enough iron to meet its needs. Iron is present in all cells and is essential for multiple vital processes, including oxygen transport via hemoglobin, electron transport through cytochromes, and proper functioning of oxygen-dependent enzymes in many tissues. When iron is too low, these functions are disrupted, which can lead to morbidity and even death. Iron deficiency develops when iron loss is not adequately compensated by dietary intake. Before anemia occurs, the condition may present as latent iron deficiency (LID). If untreated, iron deficiency can progress to iron-deficiency anemia, characterized by inadequate red blood cells and/or hemoglobin. People most susceptible include women of childbearing age, children, and those with poor dietary intake; in non-pregnant women, menstrual blood loss is a major cause. Symptoms can include fatigue, dizziness, pallor, headache, and shortness of breath, and in some cases can contribute to complications such as irregular heartbeat, pregnancy problems, and impaired growth and cognitive/behavioral development in infants and children.

Key Points

• 1

  Iron is required for oxygen transport (hemoglobin), electron transport (cytochromes), and oxygen enzyme reactions; insufficient iron disrupts these functions.

• 2

  Iron deficiency occurs when iron loss exceeds dietary replacement and may progress from latent iron deficiency to iron-deficiency anemia if not corrected.

• 3

  Common risk groups include women of childbearing age, children, and people with inadequate diets; menstrual bleeding is a frequent cause in non-pregnant women.