Hematin And Non-hematin Iron! What Is The Difference

2024 Author: Jasmine Walkman | [email protected]. Last modified: 2023-12-16 08:29

The iron is a trace element that is very important for our body. It is involved in many key processes, including the transport of oxygen to the cells, the formation of red blood cells and the detoxification processes in the liver. The trace element iron is also important for the proper functioning of the nervous system.

Hematin and non-hematin iron! What is the difference

Iron in the body It can be found mainly in the form of very important proteins such as hemoglobin and myoglobin, as well as in the active centers of many enzymes such as catalase, peroxidase and cytochromes.

It is important to know that not all iron in food is absorbed very well by the body. As a result of iron deficiency we can develop anemia, and the disease leads to serious disorders of the body.

It is interesting that iron is absorbed at different speeds, due to the fact that it can be of two types: hematin and non-hematin iron. The first has a much higher absorption than the second.

Hematin iron

This is a type of iron found in animal products: liver, beef, fish, seafood, turkey, eggs and organic meat. It is known that red meat contains especially hematin iron, namely myoglobin, which is involved in the storage of oxygen in the red muscles.

Animal products contain up to 45% of hematin iron, but its absorption in our body is slightly lower. In fact, we absorb about 20% of it from food, which in combination with non-hematin iron gives 10% of the total absorbed iron. Assimilation of hematin iron is constant and very important for our body, as well as for the various processes in our body.

Nehematine iron

This is real vegetable iron, ie obtained from plant products. It can be found in spirulina, sesame seeds, white beans, pumpkin seeds, chia seeds, amaranth seeds, red lentils, cashews, flax seeds, pine nuts, sunflower seeds, azuki beans, hazelnuts, peanuts, quinoa, beets and spinach.

Iron levels in the body should be controlled, especially when you are on a meat-free diet. Iron deficiency can lead not only to anemia, but also to lack of menstruation, decreased immunity, heart rhythm problems, decreased physical activity, pale skin, brittle nails, excessive hair loss, fatigue, decreased concentration and mental activity. memory impairment and bad mood, circulatory disorders, headache, constipation, decreased appetite.

That is why it is so important that your menu is varied, balanced and healthy.