3οΈβ£ Iron recycling
When red blood cells break down, macrophages in the spleen and liver recover the iron from hemoglobin and return it to circulation. This recycling process supplies most of the daily iron needed for new red blood cell formation.
π’ Example: The body recycles about 25 mg of iron each day, far exceeding the amount absorbed from food.
When red blood cells break down, macrophages in the spleen and liver recover the iron from hemoglobin and return it to circulation. This recycling process supplies most of the daily iron needed for new red blood cell formation.
π’ Example: The body recycles about 25 mg of iron each day, far exceeding the amount absorbed from food.
β€1
4οΈβ£ Folate and vitamin B12 absorption
Folate is absorbed in the small intestine, while vitamin B12 requires intrinsic factor from the stomach for uptake in the ileum. Both nutrients are stored in the liver and used for DNA synthesis in developing red blood cells.
π’ Example: Vitamin B12 intake averages just 1 microgram daily, but liver stores (β2β5 mg) can last for years, while folate stores deplete within months if intake falls.
Folate is absorbed in the small intestine, while vitamin B12 requires intrinsic factor from the stomach for uptake in the ileum. Both nutrients are stored in the liver and used for DNA synthesis in developing red blood cells.
π’ Example: Vitamin B12 intake averages just 1 microgram daily, but liver stores (β2β5 mg) can last for years, while folate stores deplete within months if intake falls.
β€2
5οΈβ£ Shared role in erythropoiesis and DNA synthesis
Inside bone marrow, folate and B12 cooperate to generate tetrahydrofolate, a cofactor for DNA and red cell production. Without them, cells enlarge without dividing properly, producing megaloblastic anemia.
π’ Example: B12 deficiency traps folate in its inactive form (βmethyl-folate trapβ), halting DNA replication and leading to fatigue, pale skin, and neurological symptoms.
Inside bone marrow, folate and B12 cooperate to generate tetrahydrofolate, a cofactor for DNA and red cell production. Without them, cells enlarge without dividing properly, producing megaloblastic anemia.
π’ Example: B12 deficiency traps folate in its inactive form (βmethyl-folate trapβ), halting DNA replication and leading to fatigue, pale skin, and neurological symptoms.
β€2