Effects of positive iron status at a cellular level.

Abstract

The human body is not equipped to eliminate excess iron. As a result, cells continuously store excess absorbed iron in a complex with the protein ferritin. This poses no great threat under normal conditions. However, under certain disease conditions, oxidative processes cause iron to be mobilized and released as Fe(II). This iron is capable of initiating lipid peroxidation, which can lead to loss of membrane structure and function.