Anemias

Anemia: any condition in which the number of red blood cells, the amount of hemoglobin (protein in RBCs), and the volume of packed red blood cells in the blood are lower than normal levels

Hemoglobin: an iron-containing protein pigment occurring in the red blood cells and functioning primarily in the transport of oxygen from the lungs to the body tissues.

Iron Absorption

1. Dietary or supplemental iron enters the stomach.

2. Iron is oxidized to the Fe3+ (insoluble).

3. Intestinal mucosal cells in the duodenum and upper jejunum absorb the iron.

4. The iron is coupled to transferrin (Tf) in the circulation which delivers it to the cells of the body.

Gastric acidity as well as ascorbate prevents precipitation of the normally insoluble Fe³⁺. Phytates, tannins and antacids block iron absorption.

Category: Pathology Notes