How Does Our Body Use Iron?

Iron Makes Hemoglobin

In a very fundamental way, the main purpose for iron in the body is to help your body's cells "breathe." Iron works with the protein in your system to create hemoglobin in your red blood cells.

Hemoglobin Carries Oxygen

The hemoglobin that is created will carry oxygen from the lungs to the rest of the body. It serves as a transporter of sorts. Without the transportation of the oxygen, our bodies would be unable to perform their daily tasks.

Oxygen Aids in the Body's Performance

Our bodies require oxygen to perform their normal tasks. A lack of oxygen in the body will result in the body not performing at its optimal level. Instead, the body will be weak and tired. A person who has low iron levels, or is anemic, will display these symptoms. If a body does not have enough iron, the amount of red blood cells made will decrease resulting in fewer hemoglobin, and therefore, less oxygen.

Iron is Stored

After the iron has initially been used to build the hemoglobin, the rest of it is stored in the body--in the liver, spleen, bone marrow, even the muscles. The amount of iron stored in your body will affect how much iron your body will absorb. For instance, a body low in iron will absorb more iron, and a body with high iron levels will absorb less iron. This balancing act is the body's way of monitoring its iron levels.

Resources

• Find out more about anemia and how it can be treated.