Final answer:
Hepcidin regulates iron metabolism by inhibiting intestinal iron absorption and release from storage, crucial for preventing iron overload and controlling iron availability for vital functions like hemoglobin production.
Step-by-step explanation:
The function of Hepcidin, which is an acute phase reactant synthesized by the liver, is primarily to regulate iron metabolism in the body. Hepcidin is a key regulator that maintains iron homeostasis by inhibiting the absorption of iron from the diet in the intestines and the release of iron from macrophages and hepatocytes. When hepcidin levels are high, iron absorption from the intestine is reduced and iron release from storage sites is restricted, resulting in a decrease in circulating iron. This mechanism is crucial for preventing iron overload and for controlling the availability of iron for vital functions, such as the production of hemoglobin for red blood cells. It also plays a role in the immune response, as restricting iron availability can inhibit the growth of certain pathogens.