Skip to main content
Update Location

My Location

Update your location to show providers, locations, and services closest to you.

Enter a zip code
Or
Select a campus/region
(352) 733-0111

Cytochrome b5 reductase

Definition

Cytochrome b5 reductase is an enzyme in the blood. It controls the amount of iron in your red blood cells, and helps the cells carry the normal amount of oxygen.

People who do not have enough of this enzyme may develop a condition called methemoglobinemia.

Gallery

Cytochrome b5 reductase blood test
Cytochrome b5 reductase is a blood enzyme that serves to maintain adequate iron levels in the red blood cells to maximize their oxygen-carrying capacity.

References

Means RT. Approach to the anemias. In: Goldman L, Schafer AI, eds. Goldman-Cecil Medicine. 26th ed. Philadelphia, PA: Elsevier; 2020:chap 149.

Smith-Whitley K, Kwiatkowski JL. Hemoglobinopathies. In: Kliegman RM, St. Geme JW, Blum NJ, Shah SS, Tasker RC, Wilson KM, eds. Nelson Textbook of Pediatrics. 21st ed. Philadelphia, PA: Elsevier; 2020:chap 489.

Last reviewed January 25, 2022 by Todd Gersten, MD, Hematology/Oncology, Florida Cancer Specialists & Research Institute, Wellington, FL. Review provided by VeriMed Healthcare Network. Also reviewed by David Zieve, MD, MHA, Medical Director, Brenda Conaway, Editorial Director, and the A.D.A.M. Editorial team..

Related specialties