Iron deficiency and neurotransmitter synthesis and function

There has been little work on the effects of irondeficiency on brain metabolism and function despite the fact that Fe deficiency is the most common nutritional disorder in the world (Garby, 1973; Kossner 8z Kalk, 1973).Fe is present in the brain in relatively large amounts and is particularly concentrated in the basal ganglia (Cumings, 1948(Cumings, , 1968; Hallgren 8z Sourander, 1958; Harrison, Netsky 8z Brown, 1968).Furthermore it's concentration appears to be independent of the liver Fe stores (Hallgren 8z Sourander, 1958;Dallman, 1974).It has been suggested that Fe is a cofactor for tyrosine hydroxylase (EC 1.14.16.2) (Sourkes, 1972) and tryptophan hydroxylase (EC 1.13.11.11) (Ichiyama,