The ability of this mineral switch between multiple oxidation states makes it an important co-factor in electron transfer and oxidation-reduction reactions. This characteristic also allows iron to interact reversibly with other atoms, especially oxygen, sulphur and nitrogen. Iron plays a number of important roles in the immune system and it stores are carefully controlled by the body.
Having too little iron can cause the degradation non-specific immunity, which is the body's first line of defense against pathogens. A healthy iron intake helps body immune system to work properly.
Iron binding proteins like lactoferrin are involved in the immune response. While iron-containing enzymes are released from cells of the immune system and exhibit destructive activity against foreign antigens.
Lactoferrin is a nutrient classically found in mammalian milk and lactoferrin has important immunological characteristics: antibacterial and also antiviral. Furthermore, there is evidence that it can bind to at least some of the receptors used by coronaviruses and thereby block their entry.
Iron deficiency has been reported to be associated with increased susceptibility to infection in both humans and experimental animals.
Iron Is Required
For A Healthy Immune System
