Final answer:
Iron deficiency can result in anemia. Iron plays a key role as a component of hemoglobin, which is involved in oxygen transportation in the body. An iron deficit may affect this process, leading to health issues.
Step-by-step explanation:
When the level of iron in the body decreases, it can lead to a condition known as iron deficiency anemia. It occurs when there is not enough iron available for the production of heme, a component of hemoglobin. Hemoglobin is crucial for the transportation of oxygen in the blood. Iron can be stored in the bone marrow, liver, and spleen in the protein compounds of ferritin and hemosiderin. When the body needs more iron, EPO stimulates the production of erythrocytes, and iron is released from these storage sites, bound to transferrin, and carried to the red bone marrow, where it contributes to the formation of new erythrocytes. This process could be affected when there is an iron deficiency, leading to issues with oxygen transportation in the body. Causes of iron deficiency may include inadequate intake in the diet, inability to absorb and transport iron effectively, or chronic bleeding.
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