IRON-AN ESSENTIAL ELEMENT IN LIVING ORGANISMS

Iron is the most abundant trace element found in the human body. It is one of the transition elements. The total amount of iron in the body ranges from 2-6grammes. The mean amount found in both males and females is 50mg/kg and 40mg/kg respectively. Studies show that erythrocytes contain 70% iron, ferritin 24% iron, myoglobin 4% iron. Dietary iron is predominantly in the form of organic complexes but ferrous and ferric iron and elemental iron are also present. The reduction of ferric iron to ferrous iron is facilitated by the anti-oxidant action of vitamin C and by the sulphydryl groups of sulphur- containing amino acids. Hence, a diet containing plenty of vitamin C and protein enhances iron absorption.




Naturally chelated iron in the form of heme groups is present in meat and blood- containing tissues such as heart, liver, and kidney and is absorbed more readily than iron found in plants. Vegetarians are more likely to suffer iron deficiency since iron is less available in plants. Pumpkin leaves are a good source of iron. Brocoli has very good iron content and with probably little oxalate or phytate and so may be considered a good source of plant food iron. Eggs are low in iron because of the presence of phosvitin. Generally factors that inhibit calcium and magnesium absorption also inhibit iron absorption.




Iron deficiency is the most common cause of anaemia. Iron deficiency appears to be more common in pre-menopausal women who are subject to menstrual bleedings and pregnancies than in men. Symptoms include feeling of weakness and lascitude, paraesthesia, koilomychia, glossitis and stomatitis.




The definitive diagnostic signs are low red blood cell count, low haemoglobin concentration ,low mean corpuscular volume (MCV) and mean corpuscular heamoglobin concentration (MCHC). Treatment involves the following; by blood transfusion, giving iron supplements such as 250mg iron as ferrous sulphate (FeSo4) to adults, formulas supplemented with lactobionate can be given to infants and should be done with caution, and the consumption of ascorbate-containing fruits.



Iron toxicity should not be overlooked. Iron overload is a debilitating condition that results in the damage of the liver, heart, pancreas and so on. Two forms iron toxicity exists viz; genetic haemochromatosis and acquired haemochromatosis. Iron toxicity has been observed in children who consumed large quantities of iron-containing tablets. Treatment of iron toxicity is done via the following ways; inducing emesis to get rid of unabsorbed iron, the use of desferrioxamine-B a high affinity, iron chelating agent obtained from Streptomyces opilosus can provide relief.



Iron is an essential element need in life processes. However ,care should be taken so that iron deficiency do not result from poor nutrition and iron toxicity resulting from indiscriminate consumption.