Role of Iron Metabolism in Obesity, Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus, Atherosclerotic Cardiovascular Disease, and Metabolic Dysfunction-Associated Steatotic Liver Disease – A Narrative Review

Iron is a vital micronutrient for numerous physiological processes, including oxygen transport, DNA synthesis, electron transport in humans, and energy production. Dysregulation of iron metabolism plays a role in various metabolic disorders such as obesity, type 2 diabetes mellitus, atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease, and metabolic dysfunction-associated steatotic liver disease. This narrative review explores the interconnected pathways linking iron metabolism to these conditions, emphasizing the roles of iron overload, deficiency, and altered distribution. Understanding these relationships provides a foundation for therapeutic strategies targeting iron homeostasis to mitigate disease progression and complications.