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Iron and the Immune System

Posted by Blog Sunday, March 6, 2011

Iron is needed by the immune system. For instance, iron is needed for the growth of T lymphocytes. Also, the body uses the free radical action of iron to attack some pathogens. Iron helps the immune system in another way by enhancing the ability of white blood cells to engulf and kill bacteria. In this case, bacteria are attacked by free radicals that are created using an iron catalyst.


Bacteria Need Iron The body lowers blood iron in response to infections.


Iron is also needed by infectious agents such as bacteria. The body lowers blood iron levels during acute infections to avoid aiding the infectious agents. Lowering blood iron may be an important immune response to infections. Iron fortification and supplementation must be reconsidered during infections to prevent worsening infections such as malaria, tuberculosis, HIV (human immunodeficiency virus), and typhoid.


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