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Hypercharge
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I was recently asked why the iron in our blood wasn't killing us while iron is poisonous to the body; and what would be if it was other metals than iron in our blood, what would happen?
Too much of any element is bad.Hypercharge said:I was recently asked why the iron in our blood wasn't killing us while iron is poisonous to the body; and what would be if it was other metals than iron in our blood, what would happen?
http://www.ucsfhealth.org/education/hemoglobin_and_functions_of_iron/index.htmlHemoglobin and Functions of Iron
Iron is an essential element for blood production. About 70 percent of your body's iron is found in the red blood cells of your blood called hemoglobin and in muscle cells called myoglobin. Hemoglobin is essential for transferring oxygen in your blood from the lungs to the tissues. Myoglobin, in muscle cells, accepts, stores, transports and releases oxygen.
About 6 percent of body iron is a component of certain proteins, essential for respiration and energy metabolism, and as a component of enzymes involved in the synthesis of collagen and some neurotransmitters. Iron also is needed for proper immune function.
About 25 percent of the iron in the body is stored as ferritin, found in cells and circulates in the blood. The average adult male has about 1,000 mg of stored iron (enough for about three years), whereas women on average have only about 300 mg (enough for about six months). When iron intake is chronically low, stores can become depleted, decreasing hemoglobin levels
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These metals play important roles in various biological processes in the body. Manganese is involved in enzyme reactions and bone formation, while iron is essential for oxygen transport and energy production. Silver has antimicrobial properties and copper is important for immune function and collagen synthesis.
Most of these metals are obtained through the diet, as they are present in many foods. They can also be absorbed through the skin or inhaled. In some cases, certain medical conditions can cause excessive levels of these metals to accumulate in the blood.
While these metals are essential for many biological processes, excessive levels can be harmful. For example, high levels of iron can lead to tissue damage and organ failure, and silver toxicity can cause neurological symptoms. It's important to maintain a balance of these metals in the body.
There are several disorders and diseases that involve these metals in the blood. For example, iron deficiency anemia is a common condition caused by low levels of iron in the blood. Wilson's disease is a genetic disorder that causes copper to accumulate in the body, leading to liver and neurological problems.
These metals can be measured and monitored through blood tests, which can detect levels that are too high or too low. In some cases, specialized tests may be needed to determine the specific type and amount of metal present in the blood. Regular blood tests can help track changes in metal levels and identify any potential health issues.