2. Functions of Iron
• Part of several proteins
– Heme
• Molecular Structure:
– Beta and Alpha Chain
– Iron in the Middle
• Hemoglobin
– Oxygen transport to tissues
• Myoglobin
– Storage of oxygen in muscle
• Cytochromes
– Transport of oxygen to the respiratory chain

3. Functions of Iron Cont.
– Monooxygenase and Dioxygenase:
• Aromatic Amino acids
– Amino acid Synthesis need iron-dependent enzyme
– Other Enzymes
• Carbohydrate Metabolism
• DNA Synthesis
• Lipid, Steroid, and Drug Metabolism

4. Bioavailability of Iron
• Iron absorption affected by iron status
• What increases iron absorption?
• Vitamin C
• Vitamin A
• What decreases iron absorption?
– Oxalic acid
– Phytic acid/Polyphenols