An Overview of Iron Metabolism in Health and Disease

Abstract

Human iron metabolism is the set of chemical reactions that maintain human homeostasis of iron at the systemic and cellular level. Iron is both necessary to the body and potentially toxic. Controlling iron levels in the body is a critically important part of many aspects of human health and disease. Iron deficiency states are the reason for a decrease in working capacity, an increase in susceptibility to viral diseases, especially in children and cause growth and development retardation. Iron overload and poisoning lead to the activation of processes that can cause cell death. Timely diagnosis of disorders of iron metabolism and subsequent monitoring of treatment require knowledge of not only pathophysiological mechanisms, but also methodological capabilities and correct interpretation of clinical and biochemical parameters of iron metabolism.