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Foundation Sciences · Biochemistry

Iron Metabolism

⏱️ 45–60 minutes read 📖 Biochemistry

Dietary iron absorption (DMT1, ferroportin), transport (transferrin), storage (ferritin) and hepcidin regulation.

📌 Learning Objectives

  • Describe the key principles of iron metabolism.
  • Explain the clinical relevance of iron metabolism.
  • Recognise common conditions linked to iron metabolism in MLA-style scenarios.

📋 Overview

Dietary iron absorption (DMT1, ferroportin), transport (transferrin), storage (ferritin) and hepcidin regulation. This topic integrates with pathology, pharmacology and clinical medicine and is frequently tested in UK medical school exams and the MLA.

🔬 Basic Science

Dietary iron absorption (DMT1, ferroportin), transport (transferrin), storage (ferritin) and hepcidin regulation. Detailed mechanisms, regulation and molecular interactions underpin both normal physiology and disease.

🏥 Clinical Relevance

Iron deficiency anaemia, haemochromatosis (bronze diabetes), iron overload from transfusion.

🧪 Investigations

Relevant laboratory tests, imaging or histological examination are used as appropriate to the clinical context.

💊 Management

Management is condition-specific; principles include addressing the underlying biochemical/structural derangement, supportive care and targeted therapy where available.

Revision Resources – expand the sections below for high-yield notes, exam pearls, key facts and further reading.

🎯 MLA High-Yield Notes & Quick Revision ⌄
High-yield topic for the UK MLA — frequently appears in SBA questions linking biochemistry concepts to clinical presentations and management decisions.
Applying biomedical science to clinical practice Diagnosis and investigation Pathophysiology of common conditions
  • Dietary iron absorption (DMT1, ferroportin), transport (transferrin), storage (ferritin) and hepcidin regulation.
⭐ Exam Pearls ⌄
⭐ High Yield
Hepcidin inhibits ferroportin (iron export)
HFE mutations → haemochromatosis
Anaemia of chronic disease: high hepcidin
Transferrin saturation and ferritin distinguish causes
💡 Clinical Pearl
: Iron deficiency anaemia, haemochromatosis (bronze diabetes), iron overload from transfusion.
⚠️ Exam Tip — Common Mistakes
Confusing iron metabolism with related but distinct mechanisms.
Memorising pathways without linking to clinical disease.
🔑 Key Facts ⌄
Hepcidin inhibits ferroportin (iron export)
HFE mutations → haemochromatosis
Anaemia of chronic disease: high hepcidin
Transferrin saturation and ferritin distinguish causes
📚 References ⌄
  1. BMJ Best Practice
  2. Robbins Basic Pathology
  3. Lippincott Illustrated Reviews: Biochemistry
  4. Wheater's Functional Histology
  5. NICE guidance where applicable.

Further Resources

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