A review of the biochemical roles, toxicity and interactions of zinc, copper and iron: III. Iron

Abstract

Because of its essentiality, iron occurs in tissues of all living matter especially aerobes. Iron compounds have been utilized in various aspects of argo-industry. Iron-binding proteins and their vital role in intestinal uptake, distribution and storage of iron are concisely examined. Ceruloplasmin (cuproenzyme) is imperative for iron mobilization from storage sites for hemoglobin synthesis. There is evidence of relationship between enhance susceptibility to infection and iron deficiency. The extent to which behavioral abnormalities and iron depletion are related remains to be established. The efficacy of chelating agents such as desferroxamine, bicarbonates and ethylene diamine tetraacetic acid (EDTA) against iron overload has been tested.