Unit 8 Case Study: Case If Iron Deficiency

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

Hemoglobin is made up of four polypeptide chains. Each one is attached to a heme group with an iron atom. It transports most of the blood’s oxygen. The iron atom in each heme group can bind to diatomic oxygen. It is in an oxidation state that releases oxygen easily.

2. How is iron stored and transported in the body?

Most iron is stored in the hemoglobin. The rest is in iron-storing proteins called ferritin. This is used as a storage closet to protect the body from iron shortage.

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

IDA is the most common form of anemia that occurs when the body does not have enough iron to make hemoglobin. This makes red blood cells smaller and not enough to transport oxygen. It is very common because it occurs when your body doesn’t have enough iron.

4. What are the most common causes of IDA?

Most common cases are when there is not enough in your diet, pregnancy, decreased absorption, and various types of blood loss.

5. Why are women more prone to IDA than men?

When go through two of the most common causes which are menstruation and pregnancy. Iron is loss with blood.

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

Red blood cell indices are part of the blood count used to diagnose anemia. This includes mean corpuscular volume and Hb concentration, and the hemoglobin to red blood cell ratio. Hemoglobin and ferritin serum concentrations can be taken as diagnostic for IDA.

7. How is IDA treated and prevented?

It can be treated by taking iron supplements. It can be prevented by eating an iron-rich diet.