Iron Stores

Iron stores refer to the body's reserve of iron, primarily maintained in specialized storage proteins such as ferritin and hemosiderin, as well as within the labile iron pool. These stores are essential for regulating systemic iron homeostasis, supporting critical biological functions such as oxygen transport, DNA synthesis, energy production, and cell growth. Regulation is achieved via the hepcidin-ferroportin axis and IRP/IRE system. Disorders related to abnormal iron stores include iron deficiency anemia and iron overload syndromes like hemochromatosis.

Other names

Body Iron StoresStored IronIron StorageIron Homeostasis

Varies depending on the specific component involved. For example, iron supplements increase iron levels, while iron chelators bind to and remove excess iron. Hepcidin mimetics can reduce iron absorption and release.