ABSTRACT
Biochemistry and physiology Iron plays a vital role in the body in many proteins including transport proteins (e.g. haemoglobin, myoglobin) and enzymes (e.g. CYP450s, catalase, peroxidase, metalloflavoproteins). It is stored in the reticulo-endothelial system and bone marrow. The total body iron content is 3.5-4.5 g in an adult, of which about 70% is incorporated in haemoglobin, 5% in myoglobin and 0.2% in enzymes. Most of the remaining iron (approximately 25%) is stored as ferritin or haemosiderin. About 2% (80 mg) comprises the ‘labile iron pool’ and about 0.08% (3 mg) is bound to transferrin (a specific iron-binding protein).
