Linking Iron Deficiency and Megaloblastic Anaemia through Phytochemical Chemistry: Chemical Integration of Iron Redox Biology and One-Carbon Metabolism in Erythropoiesis

https://doi.org/10.65770/VICA7728

ABSTRACT

Anemia remains a major global health challenge, with iron deficiency and megaloblastic anemia among the most prevalent forms. While these conditions have been extensively studied individually, there is a lack of integrative research exploring their shared biochemical and chemical pathways. In particular, the potential for phytochemicals to modulate the erythropoietic environment, through redox stabilization of iron-dependent processes and support of one-carbon metabolism, remains largely unexplored. This review synthesizes recent literature (2024–2026) to provide a chemistry-driven framework linking iron redox biology, vitamin-dependent DNA synthesis, and phytochemical intervention in erythropoiesis. We discuss iron coordination and redox cycling in hemoglobin synthesis, folate- and vitamin B12-dependent methylation chemistry in DNA replication, and the mechanistic potential of phytochemicals to influence these pathways. By highlighting the chemical convergence of iron metabolism and one-carbon pathways, this review identifies knowledge gaps and opportunities for future in silico, in vitro, and translational research. Our integrative perspective provides a roadmap for understanding mixed anemia states and exploring natural-product–based modulation of erythropoiesis, with implications for both clinical and nutritional interventions.

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WSN 215 (2026) 92-111

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