Briefly describe the condition and consequences of iron toxicity and how it can be avoided


Large amounts of iron can be toxic to the body. Iron overload is a condition in which the body absorbs excessive amounts of iron. As a result, tissue damage occurs, especially in organs such as the liver that store iron. Infections are more likely to occur when this condition exists, because bacteria thrive on iron-rich blood. This condition is more common in men than in women.

Although iron is an important essential nutrient in the body, it can also act as a powerful oxidizing agent in reactions that produce free radicals in the body. Therefore,
avoid taking extra supplemental iron unless you have been diagnosed as deficient. Be sure to keep iron supplements out of the reach of children, too—they can fatally overdose on such tablets.

Nutritional Science

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As the RBC die, the iron is recycled and stored in the liver as:

a. bilirubin. b. ferritin. c. hemoglobin. d. hematocrit.

Nutritional Science

Extremely slow cooling or long storage times form _____ crystals, which have an opaque look yet produce a sandy, brittle texture

a. alpha (?) b. beta (?) c. beta prime (?') d. all of the above answers are correct e. none of the above answers is correct

Nutritional Science

Which of the following does NOT function as an enzyme cofactor?

a. selenium b. iodine c. copper d. manganese

Nutritional Science

Which of the following T-scores indicates osteoporosis?

A) 0 B) -3 C) -2 D) 2

Nutritional Science