Final answer:
Hepcidin is the hormone responsible for regulating the balance of iron in the body by controlling iron absorption and release from storage.
Step-by-step explanation:
The hormone that is crucial for regulating iron balance in the human body is called hepcidin. This hormone is produced by the liver and is responsible for controlling the amount of iron absorbed from the diet as well as the release of iron from storage sites. Hepcidin ensures that iron levels in the bloodstream are maintained within a healthy range by inhibiting the action of ferroportin, a protein that transports iron into the blood.
When hepcidin levels are high, ferroportin is degraded, which decreases iron absorption in the intestines and reduces iron release from ferritin and hemosiderin, the iron storage compounds found in the liver, spleen, and bone marrow. When the body's iron levels are low, hepcidin production decreases, allowing ferroportin to increase iron absorption and release