Mechanism of Action
1
Oxygen Transport: Iron forms the central part of hemoglobin in red blood cells, where each ferrous (Fe²⁺) atom binds oxygen in the lungs and releases it in tissues, enabling cellular respiration.
2
Cellular Energy Production: Iron in cytochromes participates in electron transfer within the mitochondrial electron transport chain, cycling between Fe²⁺ and Fe³⁺ to drive ATP production.
3
Enzymatic Functions: Iron acts as a cofactor for key enzymes—such as catalase, peroxidase, ribonucleotide reductase, and hydroxylases—supporting antioxidant defense, DNA synthesis, and collagen formation
