Iron: Its Importance, Biological Function and Deficiency Symptoms, Essay Example

Iron abbreviated Fe, is one of the components of the muscles and red blood cells that help in the transportation of oxygen all over the body (Bertini Sigel & Sigel, 2001). Iron plays a number of crucial functions in the body. Iron is responsible for the formation of certain enzymes and hemoglobin synthesis. It is essential for the formation of enzymes plus many proteins that maintain excellent health. Iron is necessary for the regulation of cell differentiation and growth, plus a number of metabolic reactions. Iron is crucial for proper liver functionality and immune activity. It is crucial as it protects the body against actions initiated by free radicals. Iron aids transportation of oxygen to each and every part of the body.

Iron is vital to each and every organism except in some bacteria. Mostly, it is incorporated within metalloproteins, since in free or in exposed form it leads to the creation of free radicals which are normally toxic to cells. It is incorporated in heme complex which is a vital constituent of cytochromes i.e. proteins engaged in redox reactions (including respiration), myoglobin and hemoglobin which are oxygen carrying proteins (Frausto da Silva & Williams, 2001). Iron also plays a fundamental role in metabolic processes in animals.

Iron deficiency might result into anemic conditions. This happens when stock of iron within the body becomes depleted thus inhibiting hemoglobin synthesis. This limits supply of oxygen to organs and tissues. Since iron plays a crucial role within the immune system, individuals with low levels of iron have low resistance to infections. Iron deficiency results in impaired brain function, and amongst infants it leads to behavioral problems and impaired learning capability. Additional iron deficiency symptoms include: growth problems (slow social and cognitive development  in childhood), reduced bone density, breathlessness, some kinds of deafness, feeling weak and tired, pallor, insomnia, loss of appetite, difficulties in sustaining body temperature, headaches and decreased productivity (Bauer, 2002).

References

Bauer, J. (2002). The complete idiot’s guide to total nutrition. 3^rd Ed. New York: Alpha Books.

Bertini, I., Sigel, A. & Sigel, H. (2001). Handbook on metalloproteins. Melabourne: CRC Press.

Frausto da Silva, J.J.R. & Williams, R.J.P. (2001). The biological chemistry of the elements: the inorganic chemistry of life. 2^nd Ed. Oxford: Oxford University Press.