IRON
Those elements which are required in traces or minute quantities are known as trace elements. Iron is a trace element, as its presence in small amount is very significant. Most of the iron in the body is present as hemoglobin. Most of the body’s iron is found in complex forms bound to proteins either as porphyrin or heme compounds or as ferritin. Free inorganic iron occurs in small amount. About 70% of iron is in circulating hemoglobin, 4% as myoglobin. 25% is stored in liver, spleen, kidney and 1% in plasma and various oxidative enzymes. Functions Deficiency Anemia Types of Anaemia Hypochromic anaemia: Such a state is usually associated with chronic inflammatory disease in which there is an inhibition of mobilization of iron from body stores. The iron storage sites in the marrow show abundant iron but is not available for haemoglobinisation of developing red cells. Sideroblastic Anaemia: These are rare conditions in which red cell production is impaired by disordered iron metabolism. Heredity can be one of the causes. Megaloblastic anaemia: Red cells appear abnormally large. Normally in red cell production, cell division occurs rapidly. Between division the cells do not have time to re-grow to their full size and progressive reductions in cell size occurs. When DNA (deoxyribose nucleic acid) synthesis is reduced, the time between divisions is increased, more cell growth occurs and cells size decreases. Pernicious anaemia: Absence of free hydrochloric acid in the stomach results in inability to absorb iron. This is due to degenerative changes in nervous system result in tingling sensation of finger and toes, loss of vibratory sense and impaired co-ordination. There is lack of appetite, weight loss, diarrhoea, constipation and shortness of breath. Anemia Symptoms of Anemia Spoon shaped nail Hemosiderosis It is a disorder of iron metabolism. In hemolytic anemia a large number of red blood cells are destroyed and this can lead to hemosiderosis.In this conditions large amounts of iron are deposited in the liver and in the recticulo endothelial system. Transferrin, the iron with carrier protein becomes saturated with iron. When transferrin is unable to bind all the absorbed iron this metabolic disorder takes place. If iron vessels are used for cooking, much more iron is ingested into the body, which may result in hemosiderosis. The Bantu population of Africa is an example of this condition. Prolonged prophylaxis with massive doses of iron can often produce hemosiderosis. Sources of Iron Best Sources : Liver, kidney, heart, lean meat, egg yolk and shellfish. Good Sources : Dried beans, legumes, dried fruits, nuts, green leafy vegetables, whole cereals, enriched grains and molasses. Poor Source : Milk Requirement of iron Recommended intake of iron is calculated, based on its loss and absorption. Adult man -17mg/day Adult woman -21mg/day Pregnancy - 35 mg/day Lactation -25 mg/day Infants -0.5mg/kg body weight Children g/day 1-3 years - 09 4-6 years - 13 7-9 years - 16 Boys 10-12 years - 21 13-15 years - 32 16-18 years - 28 Girls 10-12 years - 27 13-15 years - 27 16-18 years - 26 |
Last modified: Monday, 4 June 2012, 6:17 AM