Serum Iron

A serum iron test determines the levels of iron in the blood. The serum iron test is used for the diagnosis and treatment of diseases caused by iron deficiency. Iron is essential for the production of red blood cells. About 70% of your body’s iron is present in haemoglobin and myoglobin. Haemoglobin is a substance present in red blood cells and myoglobin is present in muscle cells. Haemoglobin is essential for the transport of oxygen from the lungs to all organs. Myoglobin stores and releases oxygen into muscle cells. About 6% of the body’s iron is in proteins. These proteins are essential for respiration and energy metabolism. Iron is a component of enzymes involved in the synthesis of collagen and neurotransmitters. Ferritin is present in cells and blood circulation. Ferritin stores around 25% of the iron in the body. The average adult man has roughly 1,000 mg of iron stored in his body enough to last three years. A woman only has about 300 mg, enough for about six months. When iron stores get depleted as a result of poor intake, haemoglobin levels fall. Iron depletion occurs when the body’s iron stores reduce. Further reductions are known as iron-deficient erythropoiesis, which results in iron deficiency anemia. The human body cannot produce iron and must be obtained through food. The daily iron requirement for adults is 1.8 mg. The body absorbs and uses just around 10 to 30% of the iron you consume. Iron toxicity can result from consuming high doses of iron supplements for an extended period or from a single overdose. A serum iron test determines the amount of iron in the blood. The serum is the liquid that remains after red blood cells plus clotting factors are removed from the blood. The serum iron test can detect blood iron levels that are unusually low or excessive. The serum iron test is a requisition when the doctor suspects an iron deficiency or an iron overload. Too much or too little iron can create health concerns. Iron excess can build up in the organs over time, causing catastrophic damage to the liver or brain. The serum iron test will assist the doctor in providing a more precise diagnosis. Depending on how recently the iron supplement is taken, the iron level fluctuates. The serum iron test reports will be accurate if done in the morning on an empty stomach.