The human body normally contains 40 to 50 mg/kg of iron, which amounts to 3-4 grams. It is distributed in the following compartments:
- Hemoglobin in RBCs – about 30 mg/kg
- Myoglobin in muscle – about 4 mg/kg
- Iron-containing enzymes – about 2 mg/kg
- Storage in ferritin and hemosiderin – 0-2,000 mg
- Plasma transferrin – 1-2 mg