OVERVIEW OF THE IRON METABOLISM (in adults)

Iron is absorbed from the intestine by enterocytes. Iron destined to leave the enterocytes (via the basolateral membrane) is bound to transferrin, and transported in this form to all cells of the body, either for storage or as constituents of different proteins and other molecules (e.g.haemoglobin in red blood cells). Utilised iron can be resirculated, or excreted (lost) through sweat, faeces, urine or bleedings.

Figure Schematic drawing of the different iron compartments in: normal metabolism, iron deficiency and iron overload.

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