Tags: Protein.
Hepcidin is a peptide hormone produced by the liver. It was discovered in 2000 and appears to be the principal regulator of iron homeostasis in humans and other mammals. Hepcidin functions to regulate (inhibit) iron transport across the gut mucosa thereby preventing excess iron absorption and maintaining normal iron levels within the body. Hepcidin also inhibits transport of iron out of macrophages (site of iron storage and transport).
