Iron
Description
Iron is an alkaline forming Micromineral.
Additional Topic Contents
Iron - Biochemical Testing of Iron Status
Iron may Counteract these Potentially Toxic Substances
Minerals
Iron may facilitate the excretion of Cadmium from the body. [1]
Iron deficiency may increase the body''s absorption of Lead above the normal average of 10% of dietary intake to 24% of dietary intake. [2]
Iron is often used as an adjunct for the treatment of Alcoholism.
Iron may Enhance the Function of these Substances
Amino Acids
Iron is essential for the conversion of Lysine to Carnitine within the body.
Iron enhances the function of Phenylalanine. [3]
Enzymes
Iron is a cofactor for the Aconitase enzyme that catalyzes the conversion of Citric Acid to Cis Aconitate and Isocitric Acid.
Iron is required for the endogenous production of Catalase.
Iron is a cofactor for Delta-9 Desaturase.
Iron is required for the formation of Peroxidases.
Minerals
Iron may enhance the body''s absorption of Cobalt.
Iron is essential for the proper function of Copper.
Proteins
Iron (as Ferritin) comprises 60% - 70% of the Hemoglobin molecule:
Caution: Hemoglobin converts to the toxic Methemoglobin when the Ferrous form of Iron that comprises Hemoglobin is oxidized to Ferric Iron.
At any given time, approximately 75% of the body’s total Iron content exists in the form of Hemoglobin.
Iron is an essential component of Myoglobin (the red pigment found in Muscles). At any given time, approximately 5% of the body''s total Iron content exists in the form of Myoglobin. [4]
These Substances may Enhance the Function of Iron
Amino Acids
Asparagine may increase the absorption of Iron. [5]
Cysteine is the preferred Amino Acid for the chelation of supplementary Iron.
Digestive Juices
Hydrochloric Acid converts otherwise "unavailable" Ferric Iron to the more easily absorbed Ferrous Iron. [6]
Enzymes
Xanthine Oxidase mobilizes Iron from the Liver for use within other parts of the body.
Microorganisms
Lactobacillus acidophilus increases the absorption and bioavailability of Iron. [7]
Minerals
Cobalt may increase the body''s absorption of Iron.
Copper may increase the body''s absorption of Iron.
Molybdenum may enhance Iron metabolism.
Organic Acids
Tartaric Acid may increase the absorption of dietary non-heme Iron.
Patented Medicines
The Contraceptive Pill may increase the body''s retention of Iron.
Polyphenols
Oligomeric Proanthocyanidins (OPCs) may chelate with (Ferric) Iron molecules, thereby preventing Iron-induced Lipid Peroxidation. [8]
Quercetin may chelate with (Ferric) Iron molecules, thereby preventing Iron-induced Lipid Peroxidation. [9]
Proteins
Lactoferrin is involved in the transport of Iron to Red Blood Cells (Erythrocytes). Lactoferrin also inhibits the ability of Iron to generate Free Radicals. [10]
Transferrin binds to the endogenous Ferritin form of Iron and transports it to the Bone Marrow where it is utilized in the manufacture of Hemoglobin.
Recreational Substances
Alcohol increases Iron body stores: [11]
Caution: excessive Alcohol consumption may lead to Iron overload.
Vitamins
Vitamin A may facilitate the absorption of Iron. [12]
Vitamin B2may facilitate the absorption of Iron. [13]
Vitamin B6 may facilitate the incorporation of Iron into Hemoglobin.
Vitamin C is essential for absorption of Iron: [14]
Vitamin C increases the absorption of Iron to such a large extent that if Vitamin C and Iron are consumed simultaneously there is a risk of increasing the body''s Iron status to dangerous levels.
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