Iron metabolism

Iron metabolism refers to how our body absorbs, transports, uses, and stores iron, an essential mineral for producing red blood cells and transporting oxygen. Dietary iron comes in two forms: heme (from animal sources) and non-heme (from plant sources). Once ingested, iron is absorbed in the intestine and carried in the bloodstream by a protein called transferrin. The body regulates iron levels to prevent deficiency or overload, storing excess iron in organs like the liver as ferritin. Proper iron metabolism is crucial for maintaining energy, immune function, and overall health.