Iron metabolism in the child

Abstract

Iron is an essential element for life, but when it is in excess, it is also potentially dangerous. This review explains the current knowledge on the regulation of iron metabolism in the child, this being necessary to attend to their physiological needs. The main factors of iron homeostasis are addressed: intestinal absorption, blood circulation, mechanisms of incorporation of the metal into the cells, regulation of systemic trafficking and intracellular regulation. Finally, the implications of the new molecules described in the last decade that intervene in iron metabolism on iron deficiency and excess in childhood and their affect on neurodevelopment, growth, certain conditions as well as their diagnostic and clinical applications are reviewed.