Define Iron Status of the Individual

Lastly, iron status of the individual is a floury determinant of how much iron is absorbed. On a mixed diet with some haem iron, the overall absorption may approximate to 10% in normal subjects while it is about 20% in iron deficient subjects. Table lists the currently known dietary factors affecting iron absorption.

Table: Dietary factors affecting iron absorption

So far we have discussed about the various aspects of iron absorption. However, it was also mentioned that once iron gets absorbed, it is utilized judiciously again and again by our body. What is the mechanism that regulates iron balance and absorption?