Editing Homeostasis (section)

===Iron levels===

{{more citations needed section|date=March 2025}}
{{See also |Human iron metabolism}}
Iron homeostasis is a crucial physiological process that regulates iron levels in the body, ensuring that this essential nutrient is available for vital functions while preventing potential toxicity from excess iron.<ref>{{Cite journal |last1=Anderson |first1=Gregory J. |last2=Frazer |first2=David M. |date=July 2017 |title=Current understanding of iron homeostasis |journal=The American Journal of Clinical Nutrition |volume=106 |issue=Suppl 6 |pages=1559S–1566S |doi=10.3945/ajcn.117.155804 |issn=1938-3207 |pmc=5701707 |pmid=29070551}}</ref> The primary site for iron absorption is the [[duodenum]], where dietary iron exists in two forms: heme iron, sourced from animal products, and [[Non-heme iron protein|non-heme iron]], found in plant foods. Heme iron is more efficiently absorbed than non-heme iron, which requires factors like [[vitamin C]] for optimal uptake. Once absorbed, iron enters the bloodstream bound to [[transferrin]], a transport protein that delivers it to various tissues and organs. Cells uptake iron through transferrin receptors, making it available for critical processes such as oxygen transport and DNA synthesis. Excess iron is stored in the liver, spleen, and bone marrow as [[ferritin]] and hemosiderin. The regulation of iron levels is primarily controlled by the hormone [[hepcidin]], produced by the liver, which adjusts intestinal absorption and the release of stored iron based on the body’s needs. Disruptions in iron homeostasis can lead to conditions such as iron deficiency [[anemia]] or iron overload disorders like [[hemochromatosis]], highlighting the importance of maintaining the delicate balance of this vital nutrient for overall health.