2. INTRODUCTION
• The total iron content of the normal adult man is estimated to be
about 4-5g.
• About 70%heme proteins or enzymes such as heme of which
• is present in the body as hemoglobin .
• It is the constituent of several heme proteins or enzymes such as
mitochondrial cytochromes ,microsomal cytochyrome ,catalyze,
peroxidase,succinic dehydrogenase, xanthine oxidase etc .
• About 5% of iron is present in myoglobin certain other heme
proteins contain non heme iron extransferrin ,ferritin,hemosiderin.
3. Dietary sources :
• There are two types of iron heme and non heme
• Heme iron :liver and other organs meats ,poultry, fish ,
shellfish.
• Non heme iron : dried beans ,peas,legumes,nuts,seeds ,whole
grains, green leafy vegetaables.
4. DAILY REQUIREMENTS
• Male :10mg/day
• Female :15mg/day
• Extra iron is stored in liver bone marrow,
spleen, muscles
5. Functions
• Hemoglobin and myoglobin contains ferrous iron and
essential for carrying oxygen to different tissues.
• Cytochromes and certain non heme proteins are necessary
for electron transport chain and oxidative
phosphophorylation .
• Peroxidase the lysosomal enzyme is required for phagocytosis
and killing of bacteria by neutrophils.
6. • It is included in the synthesis of DNA.
• It also plays vital role in immune function .
• It is necessary component in brain development and function.
• It is needed to synthesize certain neurotransmitter such as
serotonin ,dopamine ,norpinephrine, and collagen.
• It regulates cell growth and differentiation.
• It is involved in proper functioning of liver and protection
against the action of free radicals.
7. DEFICIENCY
• Iron deficiency leads to anemia –reduced
blood hemoglobin level which results in
diminished oxygen carrying power of the
blood.
8. SYMPTOMS
• Fatigue ,weakness, irritability, swollen tongue.
• Rapid heart beat.
• Susceptibility to infection.
• Lack pale color of skin and mucus membranes.
• Dizziness.
• Enlarged spleen .
• Sensitivity to cold.
• Hemmorage .
