Function of Iron in the Body

Iron is a mineral that the body needs for growth and development. It is widely known to be required in the production of haemoglobin, however there are other functions of iron as well.

Iron is found in muscle cells called myoglobin. Myoglobin also contains a haem group, which allows it to bind reversibly to oxygen. Myoglobin is responsible for accepting, storing, transporting and releasing oxygen.

Iron can also be stored as ferritin and can be found in cells and circulating the blood.

Ferritin level blood tests are often used to diagnose certain diseases. Low levels of ferritin can be a sign of iron deficiency or anaemia, whereas high levels of ferritin may be an indication of leukemia or type 2 diabetes.

Iron is important for our health and is often replenished through consumption of red meat and beans. However, when iron stores are exhausted, the patient will suffer from a condition known as iron depletion. Further decreases may be diagnosed as iron-deficient erythropoiesis or iron deficiency anaemia.

Sources:

https://www.ucsfhealth.org/education/hemoglobin-and-functions-of-iron

https://www.britannica.com/science/myoglobin

https://www.healthline.com/health/ferritin

https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/iron-deficiency-anemia/symptoms-causes/syc-20355034

https://www.verywellhealth.com/iron-supplements-benefits-4178814

Comments

Kidney Stones

Renal calculi, or kidney stones is the formation of crystals in the kidneys causing excretory issues. These stones mainly form in the renal pelvis or the ureter in the kidney. It is accompanied by symptoms such as nausea, vomiting and a burning sensation when urinating Urine consists of salts and various compounds such as Calcium, Potassium, Sodium, Oxalate, Phosphate and Uric acid. Calcium oxalate is the most common stone formed in the kidneys, it accounts for 80% of kidney stones The crystals can scratch the walls of the urinary tract, sending nerve impulses to the brain causing excruciating abdominal pain. The scratches also cause blood vessels embedded behind the walls to burst, causing blood to enter the urinary system. This causes the patient to urinate blood. IF the stone is big enough to cause a blockage in the urinary tract, this can create a backflow of urine and infect the kidneys itselves. However, most kidney stones do not grow large enough to cause a blockage. This w...

Horner’s Syndrome

Horner’s syndrome is a condition where the sympathetic nerves on the face are damaged. 3 classic signs of Horner’s syndrome include miosis (constriction of the pupil), ptosis (drooping of the upper eyelid) and anhidrosis (absence of sweating of the face). It is a result of other medical problems such as stroke, tumor or spinal cord injury. Hence, treatment for the underlying issue may restore nerve function. The nerve pathway affected in Horner’s syndrome is divided into three groups of neurons called the first, second and third order neurons. These neurons lead from the hypothalamus of the brain through the spinal cord and finally along the facial skin and muscles of the iris and eyelids Sources: https://rarediseases.info.nih.gov/diseases/6670/ horners-syndrome

Organ Transplants

Organ transplantation is a medical procedure in which an organ is removed from one body and planted in the body of a recipient. It is often the only treatment for end stage organ failure, such as liver and heart failure. Researchers have historically experimented with organ transplantation on animals and humans since the 18th century. However, the first major breakthrough was made in 1954, when the first successful kidney transplant was performed. Since then, medical breakthroughs such as tissue typing and immunosuppressant drugs have only increased the success rate of this procedure. In Singapore, the Human Organ Transplant Act (HOTA) covers all aged 21 and above, unless one has opted out. HOTA allows for the kidneys, heart, liver and corneas to be removed for transplantation in the event of death. Sources: https://optn.transplant.hrsa.gov/learn/about-transplantation/history/ https://www.moh.gov.sg/policies-and-legislation/human-organ-transplant-act https://www.who.i...

Injections of Medical Insights

Search This Blog