Some biochemical changes in heme synthesis in iron deficiency.

Some enzymes and intermediates of heme synthesis were determined in blood and urine of 26 women with severe iron deficiency anemia (IDA). Erythrocyte free protoporphyrin was almost doubled and delta-aminolevulinate dehydrase significantly raised. But urinary excretion of delta-aminolevulinic acid and reticulocyte ferrochelatase were significantly reduced in iron deficiency anemia. Hence these could serve as useful indices of iron deficiency and consequent anemia.