Järnlagren

Järnlagren, or iron stores, refers to the total amount of iron present in the human body. Iron is an essential mineral that plays a crucial role in numerous physiological processes, most notably in the formation of hemoglobin, the protein in red blood cells responsible for oxygen transport. The majority of the body's iron is found in the red blood cells, with a smaller but significant portion stored in the liver, spleen, and bone marrow. These stored iron reserves are primarily in the form of ferritin and hemosiderin.

Iron stores are vital for maintaining adequate hemoglobin production and ensuring sufficient oxygen supply to tissues and organs. When iron intake from the diet is insufficient or when there is excessive iron loss (e.g., through bleeding), the body draws upon these stored reserves. Conversely, if iron intake consistently exceeds the body's needs, iron can accumulate, which can also have negative health consequences. The body has regulatory mechanisms to control iron absorption and distribution, but these can be overwhelmed in certain conditions. Monitoring iron stores is often part of assessing iron status and diagnosing conditions like iron deficiency anemia or iron overload disorders.