Functions of Iron

• Part of several proteins– Heme

• Molecular Structure: – Beta and Alpha Chain

– Iron in the Middle

• Hemoglobin – Oxygen transport to tissues

• Myoglobin– Storage of oxygen in muscle

• Cytochromes– Transport of oxygen to the respiratory chain

Functions of Iron Cont.

– Monooxygenase and Dioxygenase:

• Aromatic Amino acids– Amino acid Synthesis need iron-dependent enzyme

– Other Enzymes

• Carbohydrate Metabolism

• DNA Synthesis

• Lipid, Steroid, and Drug Metabolism

Bioavailability of Iron

• Iron absorption affected by iron status

• What increases iron absorption?• Vitamin C

• Vitamin A

• What decreases iron absorption?

– Oxalic acid

– Phytic acid/Polyphenols