Iron

Why is Iron important for your Healthspan?

‍Serum iron levels provide insight into the iron currently available for various bodily processes. Iron is an essential mineral vital for oxygen transport, energy production, and supporting immune function. While serum iron levels can fluctuate throughout the day, persistently low levels may suggest iron deficiency impacting energy and physical performance. Conversely, unusually high levels could indicate acute iron exposure or issues with iron regulation that may require further investigation. Maintaining adequate iron availability contributes to sustained energy, cognitive function, and overall well-being.

‍What is Iron (serum iron)?

Serum iron measures the amount of iron that is circulating freely in your bloodstream, primarily bound to a transport protein called transferrin. This measurement reflects the iron that is currently being transported from storage sites (like the liver and bone marrow) to cells throughout the body where it is needed, such as in red blood cells to form hemoglobin for oxygen transport. Unlike ferritin, which indicates the body's total iron stores, serum iron represents a snapshot of iron availability at a specific moment. Its levels can vary throughout the day and are influenced by recent iron intake, making it often more informative when evaluated alongside other iron markers like ferritin and transferrin saturation.

‍How do we take action?

If serum iron levels are outside the typical range, one should consult with a healthcare provider to understand the full picture of iron status, typically by evaluating it with other iron markers such as ferritin and transferrin saturation. Low serum iron often suggests iron deficiency, which can be addressed through dietary adjustments, iron supplementation, or identifying and treating underlying causes of blood loss or malabsorption. High serum iron might indicate issues with iron regulation or excessive intake and may require further diagnostic evaluation. Actions aim to restore optimal iron balance to support energy, organ function, and overall Healthspan. Iron supplementation should always be discussed with a healthcare provider before starting.

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‍Additional Sources

1. Abbaspour, N., Hurrell, R., & Kelishadi, R. (2014). Review on iron and its importance for human health. Journal of research in medical sciences : the official journal of Isfahan University of Medical Sciences, 19(2), 164–174.

2. Waldvogel-Abramowski, S., Waeber, G., Gassner, C., Buser, A., Frey, B. M., Favrat, B., & Tissot, J. D. (2014). Physiology of iron metabolism. Transfusion medicine and hemotherapy : offizielles Organ der Deutschen Gesellschaft fur Transfusionsmedizin und Immunhamatologie, 41(3), 213–221. https://doi.org/10.1159/000362888

3. Beard, J. L., & Connor, J. R. (2003). Iron status and neural functioning. Annual review of nutrition, 23, 41–58. https://doi.org/10.1146/annurev.nutr.23.020102.075739

4. Ekiz, C., Agaoglu, L., Karakas, Z., Gurel, N., & Yalcin, I. (2005). The effect of iron deficiency anemia on the function of the immune system. The hematology journal : the official journal of the European Haematology Association, 5(7), 579–583. https://doi.org/10.1038/sj.thj.6200574

5. Sherman, A.R. (1990), Influence of Iron on Immunity and Disease Resistance. Annals of the New York Academy of Sciences, 587: 140-146. https://doi.org/10.1111/j.1749-6632.1990.tb00141.x

6. Arora, N. P., & Ghali, J. K. (2013). Iron deficiency anemia in heart failure. Heart failure reviews, 18(4), 485–501. https://doi.org/10.1007/s10741-012-9342-y

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