الفهرس 
IntroductionOnly 14 pages are availabe for public view
 |  | from | 80 |  |  |
| | | from | 80 | | |
Abstract
Ferritin, the main iron storage protein, plays an important role in iron metabolism. Iron is an essential element for living systems as well as Iron deficiency anemia is a global public health problem. According to the World Health Organization, anemia affects 1620 million people worldwide, which corresponds to 28% of the population. Fifty percent of the anemia cases are attributed to low iron intake. This review focuses on the structure and activity of ferritin, the main sources of iron from the vegetable origin are legumes, such as beans, lentils, soybeans, lupin, some vegetables such as spinach, and some dehydrated fruits. Non-hemic iron is mainly from legumes and is the most important source of this mineral in the diet of developing countries’ populations, but its bioavailability is very variable. Consequently, the fortification of foods with high and cheap iron sources is a practical way to prevent its deficiency. further, we point out the serum ferritin level during pregnancy its level decreased because of the increased need for iron which triggers ferritin mobilization from its stores. Iron is needed during pregnancy to expand the red blood cell mass and for fetal and placental growth, iron deficiency anemia is also associated with low birth weight and postpartum depression they should be encouraged to begin antenatal care as soon as possible, so that their hematological status can be adequately optimized through regular oral iron intake and/or parenteral iron supplementation ahead to labor and delivery, avoiding any need for blood transfusion.