ABSTRACT
Iron is stored in the body primarily in the red bone marrow, the liver and the spleen. In the liver, iron is stored in hepatocytes and reticuloendothelial cells, while in the spleen and bone marrow, iron stores are in reticuloendothelial cells. Iron is the trace mineral found in the greatest amount in the body, about 3–5 grams in adults. Most of this iron is found inside hemoglobin molecules, where it plays a critical role in transporting oxygen from the lungs to the cells. Iron is transported in the blood bound to transferrin, plasma transport protein. Transferrin binding sites located on the surface of the protein can bind to iron atoms. Transferrin receptors located on the plasma membrane of cells will bind to transferrin-iron complex that will be taken up by the cell via endocytosis. Numerous studies have examined the iron status of female and male athletes. Low ferritin concentrations have been reported in many female athletes engaged in endurance training.
