Iron Deficiency

A Case of Iron Deficiency

(Summarizing and Note-Taking)

Directions: Go to this website: http://www.sciencecases.org/ida/ida.asp and answer the following questions:

Describe the structure of a molecule of hemoglobin and explain the role played by iron in the transport of oxygen.

The hemoglobin structure has four protein subunits. Each subunit is composed of a protein chain which is arranged into segments connected together in a “globin fold” arrangement. Without enough iron, your body can't produce enough hemoglobin, a substance in red blood cells that enables them to carry oxygen.

How is iron stored and transported in the body?

Iron is mostly stored in the hemoglobin, but around 30% of it is stored in bone marrow, the liver and the spleen. During absorption, iron is combined with oxygen and is transported through the plasma portion of blood. From there, iron is used in the production of hemoglobin.

What is Iron Deficiency Anemia (IDA) and how frequently does it occur?

IDA is very common and is due to insufficient iron in the blood. Without enough iron, your body cannot produce enough hemoglobin to enable red blood cells to carry oxygen through the body.

What are the most common causes of IDA?

Blood loss, lack of iron in diet, pregnancy and inability to absorb iron.

Why are women more prone to IDA than men?

Because women lose blood every month due to menstruation.

What are the red blood cell indices, and what tests are diagnostic for IDA?

Red blood cell size and color would be pale and smaller if one had IDA. The diagnostic tests would be checking ones hematocrit and hemoglobin (which would be significantly lower if one had anemia).

How is IDA treated and prevented?

IDA is both treated and prevented by eating foods with sufficient amounts of iron and taking iron supplements.

Source: National Center for Case Study Teaching in Science