title: Role of the placenta in regulation of fetal iron status.
abstract: During pregnancy, the developing fetus is entirely dependent on its mother for nutrition and waste disposal, which take place almost exclusively across the placenta. The placenta is, however, not just a passive mediator; it can also regulate the rates and amounts of nutrient transported. This is particularly true for iron transport. This review examines how the fetus, and not the mother, regulates iron uptake and transfer across the placenta, how these processes interact, and how the fetus can modulate iron metabolism in the mother.
authors: Rowett Institute of Nutrition and Health, University of Aberdeen, Greenburn Road, Bucksburn, Aberdeen, United Kingdom. h.mcardle@abdn.ac.uk
authors: Harry J
authors: HJ
authors: McArdle
authors: Christine
authors: C
authors: Lang
authors: Helen
authors: H
authors: Hayes
authors: Lorraine
authors: L
authors: Gambling
mesh_terms: D001692:Biological Transport; D005260:Female; D047109:Fetal Development; D005333:Fetus / Q000378:metabolism*; D006801:Humans; D019266:Iron, Dietary / Q000008:administration & dosage / Q000493:pharmacokinetics*; D008431:Maternal-Fetal Exchange; D010920:Placenta / Q000378:metabolism*; D021041:Placental Circulation; D011247:Pregnancy
chemical_list: D019266:Iron, Dietary