Iron is an essential trace element involved in oxygen transport to tissues. It is a key component of respiratory pigments (hemoglobin, myoglobin), cytochromes, and iron-containing enzymes (catalase, myeloperoxidase). Additionally, iron plays a role in porphyrin metabolism, collagen synthesis, and immune system function.
Iron is obtained through food and absorbed in the duodenum. About 70% of the body's total iron is found in hemoglobin, while 20% is stored in the liver, spleen, and bone marrow as ferritin and hemosiderin.
Iron absorption in the intestine increases when the body has an iron deficiency or impaired erythropoiesis. Conversely, absorption decreases when there is an excess of iron in the body.
Iron levels fluctuate throughout the day, varying by age and gender. The highest concentrations are observed in the early morning. In women, iron levels are influenced by the menstrual cycle. Lack of sleep, stress, and physical exertion can also affect test results. Iron levels tend to decrease during pregnancy, particularly in the second half.
Sample: Blood collected from a vein
- Fast for 8-14 hours before the test (water is allowed).
- The test can be performed 4 hours after a light meal.
- Avoid emotional stress, physical exertion, and alcohol consumption before the test.
- The test should be taken either before starting iron supplements or 5-7 days after stopping iron-containing medications.
- If the patient has had a blood transfusion, the test should be postponed for several days.
- Differential diagnosis of anemia of various etiologies
- Acute and chronic infectious diseases, systemic inflammatory processes
- Nutritional and absorption disorders, vitamin deficiencies
- Iron overload or poisoning due to iron-containing medications
Increased Iron Levels (Hyperferremia)
- Hemochromatosis
- Excessive parenteral iron supplementation
- Multiple blood transfusions
- Acute iron poisoning in children
- Hemolytic, hypoplastic, and aplastic anemias
- Vitamin B12, B6, and folate-deficiency hyperchromic anemias
- Thalassemia
- Nephritis
- Liver diseases (acute and chronic hepatitis)
- Inefficient iron utilization in hemoglobin synthesis
- Acute leukemia
- Lead poisoning
- Medications that increase iron levels:
- Chloramphenicol (Levomycetin)
- Estrogens
- Oral contraceptives
- Methotrexate
- Cisplatin
Decreased Iron Levels (Hypoferremia)
- Iron deficiency anemia
- Acute and chronic infections, sepsis, connective tissue diseases
- Malignancies (including acute and chronic leukemia, myeloma)
- Excessive iron loss due to acute or chronic bleeding
- Insufficient dietary iron intake (e.g., dairy-based and plant-based diets, malabsorption syndrome, gastrointestinal disorders)
- Increased iron utilization in the body (e.g., pregnancy, menopause, adolescence, heavy physical labor)
- Remission of pernicious anemia (Vitamin B12 deficiency)
- Hypothyroidism
- Nephrotic syndrome
- Chronic liver diseases (cirrhosis, hepatitis)
- Medications that decrease iron levels:
- Allopurinol
- Androgens
- Aspirin
- Cholestyramine
- Glucocorticoids