| Popis: |
Iron deficiency is a common cause of anemia worldwide (World Health Organization 1975). Since iron plays a role in tissue oxygen delivery (as a component of red cell hemoglobin), cellular oxygen utilization (as a component of mitochondrial cytochromes and oxidases), and diverse metabolic processes (as a cofactor for various microsomal and cytoplasmic enzymes), iron deficiency not only limits erythropoiesis but impairs many other systemic functions as well. Moreover, iron deficiency frequently signals the presence of a pathologic source of gastrointestinal blood loss. Thus, recognition of iron deficiency, determination of its cause, and effective iron replacement are particularly important. While the pharmacologic use of iron for both the prevention and treatment of iron deficiency is relatively well defined, iron metabolism is a complex process which is still not completely understood. |
