[The importance of iron in humans]

The authors submitted a very brief review of some biological properties of iron in particular protein-bound iron and on the immense amount of iron which surrounds us (it is the fourth most frequent element). In the human organism there is no physiological system for iron elimination. Therefore its absorption is regulated and restricted. Some substances promote its absorption, other inhibit it. An important factor in the regulation of iron absorption are the iron reserves of the organism, the amount of dietary iron and the enhanced erythropoiesis (incl. the ineffective one), while reduced erythropoiesis does not affect iron absorption. Ascorbic acid forms chelates with iron and thus remains soluble and can be absorbed despite the alkaline pH in the duodenum. Unbound trivalent iron remains insoluble. An important asset to rational iron therapy are Lauberger's discovery of ferritin (1936), assessment of the iron plasma level (Heilmeyer and Plötner, 1937), Laurell's discovery of transferrin (1947), and Addison's RIA method for assessment of the serum ferritin level (1974). Sideropenia remains the most widespread deficiency in human pathology, sideropenic anaemia the most readily diagnosed anaemia which is, however, most wrongly treated.