Iron is an essential trace element that plays a critical role in numerous physiological processes, including oxygen transport, cellular metabolism, immune function, and organ health. While its most well-known function is in hemoglobin synthesis for blood health, iron's regulatory mechanisms extend far beyond the bloodstream. This review examines the broader implications of iron homeostasis, focusing on its impact on cellular functions, immune responses, and the health of organs such as the liver, heart, and brain. Disruptions in iron regulation, including both deficiency and overload, can lead to various disorders, including anemia, iron overload diseases, and chronic inflammation. Iron homeostasis is maintained by a complex balance of absorption, storage, and recycling, primarily regulated by hepcidin, a liver-derived hormone. Inadequate iron levels can impair mitochondrial function, DNA synthesis, and immune cell activation, leading to fatigue, anemia, and a weakened immune system. Conversely, excess iron can promote oxidative stress, contributing to tissue damage and conditions like hemochromatosis, cardiomyopathy, and neurodegenerative diseases. The liver, kidneys, heart, and brain are particularly sensitive to changes in iron balance, which can exacerbate or precipitate various health complications.

Keywords: anemia; iron homeostasis; metabolic health; nutritional balance; well-being.

Copyright © 2025 The Author(s). Published by Wolters Kluwer Health, Inc.

铁是一种必需的微量元素，在众多生理过程中起着关键作用，包括氧气运输、细胞代谢、免疫功能和器官健康。虽然其最著名的功能是在血红蛋白合成中对血液健康的贡献，但铁的调节机制远不止于此。本综述探讨了铁稳态更广泛的影响，重点关注其对细胞功能、免疫反应以及肝脏、心脏和大脑等器官健康的影响。铁调节紊乱，包括缺乏和过量，可能导致各种疾病，如贫血、铁负荷过多病和慢性炎症。铁稳态通过吸收、储存和循环的复杂平衡来维持，主要由肝源性激素肝素原进行调节。不足的铁水平会损害线粒体功能、DNA合成和免疫细胞激活，导致疲劳、贫血以及免疫力下降。相反，过量的铁会导致氧化应激增加，促进组织损伤，并可能导致血色素沉着症、心肌病和神经退行性疾病等疾病的发生。肝脏、肾脏、心脏和大脑对铁平衡的变化特别敏感，可能会加剧或引起各种健康并发症。

关键词：贫血；铁稳态；代谢健康；营养平衡；福祉。

版权所有 © 2025 The Author(s)。由Wolters Kluwer Health, Inc.出版。