Review on iron and its importance for human health
Introduction
This article, titled “Review on Iron and Its Importance for Human Health,” examines the fundamental role of iron in the human body and emphasizes that iron is an essential element for life. It participates in oxygen transport, DNA synthesis and electron transport. Approximately two-thirds of body iron is found in hemoglobin within red blood cells, while the remaining portion is stored in myoglobin, ferritin and iron-containing enzymes. Because iron can generate free radicals, its concentration in the body must be carefully regulated to prevent tissue damage.
Review of the Study
The article discusses iron metabolism, absorption and regulation. Iron absorption occurs mainly in the duodenum and depends on the form of dietary iron consumed. Iron exists in two forms: heme iron (with higher bioavailability) and non-heme iron (with lower absorption and strong dietary influence). Vitamin C and meat enhance iron absorption, whereas phytates, polyphenols and calcium inhibit it.
The review also explains the central role of the hormone hepcidin in regulating iron homeostasis. Hepcidin controls iron entry into the bloodstream by regulating ferroportin. Dysregulation of this mechanism may result in anemia of chronic disease or iron overload disorders.
Micronutrient Stability Findings
The article highlights the role of ferritin in safely storing iron within cells and releasing it when needed. Since the body lacks an active excretion pathway for iron, regulation of absorption and storage is critical. Imbalance can lead to iron deficiency or excessive accumulation in vital organs.
Importance of the Findings for Fortified Rice Consumption
Given the global prevalence of iron deficiency and its association with anemia, ensuring adequate iron intake through staple foods is essential. In many regions, cereal-based diets dominate; therefore, fortification of staple foods such as rice can be an effective strategy to improve population iron status. However, selecting iron compounds with appropriate bioavailability and ensuring safe dosage levels are crucial for successful fortification programs.
VITO’s Approach
Based on the findings of this review, selecting highly bioavailable iron sources and designing balanced formulations are strategically important. VITO’s approach focuses on meeting nutritional requirements while carefully regulating iron levels to prevent both deficiency and excess. Considering interactions between iron and other micronutrients is also essential in product development.
Conclusion
This article demonstrates that iron is a key element in human health, playing a central role in blood formation, oxygen transport, and energy metabolism. Because the body lacks an active iron excretion mechanism, precise regulation of iron absorption and storage is necessary to prevent anemia and oxidative damage. Fortification-based strategies for staple foods can therefore serve as sustainable tools for improving public health.
Reference
Abbaspour N, Hurrell R, Kelishadi R. Review on iron and its importance for human health. Journal of Research in Medical Sciences. 2014;19:164–174.
