Cytochrome b5 reductase
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.
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 Jr. RT. Approach to the anemias. In: Goldman L, Cooney KA, eds. Goldman-Cecil Medicine. 27th ed. Philadelphia, PA: Elsevier; 2024:chap 144.
Smith-Whitley K, Kwiatkowski JL. Hemoglobinopathies. In: Kliegman RM, St. Geme JW, Blum NJ, et al, eds. Nelson Textbook of Pediatrics. 22nd ed. Philadelphia, PA: Elsevier; 2025:chap 511.
Version Info
Last reviewed on: 3/31/2024
Reviewed by: Todd Gersten, MD, Hematology/Oncology, Florida Cancer Specialists & Research Institute, Wellington, FL. Review provided by VeriMed Healthcare Network. Also reviewed by David C. Dugdale, MD, Medical Director, Brenda Conaway, Editorial Director, and the A.D.A.M. Editorial team.
