Define Distribution of body iron in different compartments?

In humans, the total quantity of iron in the body varies with haemoglobin concentration, body weight, gender and the amount of iron stored in various tissues. Approximate distribution of body iron is shown in Table.

Table: Distribution of body iron in different compartments

You may have observed in Table that maximum amount of iron is incorporated in haemoglobin. The amount of storage iron shall depend upon the dietary iron consumed and its bioavailability.

It would be interesting to note here that iron can exist in a number of oxidation states ranging from Fe^2- to Fe⁶⁺. You must also remember that in the human body and food, it occurs generally as ferric (Fe³⁺) and ferrous (Fe²⁺) iron. We have so far discussed about the presence of iron in the body. Let us now quickly find out about the presence of iron in food i.e. learn about the food sources of iron.