Dynamics of iron metabolism in pregnancy

Abstract

1 R 0 N I S A N essential element in the body as a major constituent of hemoglobin, myoglobin and the cellular enzymes such as cytochrome C, catalase, and aconitase. The total amount of body iron in the normal adult female ranges from 3.5 to 4.0 Gm., of which 60 to 70 per cent is contained in the mass of circulating hemoglobin, 20 to 30 per cent is storage iron, and the remaining 5 to 10 per cent is distributed as myoglobin, cellular iron, and transport iron. These estimates apply only to the female, inasmuch as body iron in the male is substantially greater because his mass of hemoglobin and depots of storage are larger. Iron is continuously absorbed, excreted, and transported in the plasma. It is liberated in the process of hemoglobin degradation and is reused as new hemoglobin is synthesized. Iron moves in and out of the storage sites. These are dynamic processes and they may be altered during pregnancy because of the demands for iron created by the fetus and the requirement for a larger hemoglobin mass. From knowledge concerning the processes of iron metabolism, meaningful information can be derived that is of value in the detection, prevention, and treatment of iron deficiency states and anemia during pregnancy.