Definition:

Plasma membrane reductase that uses cytoplasmic ascorbate as an electron donor to reduce extracellular Fe(3+) into Fe(2+). Probably functions in dietary iron absorption at the brush border of duodenal enterocytes by producing Fe(2+), the divalent form of iron that can be transported into enterocytes. It is also able to reduce extracellular monodehydro-L-ascorbate and may be involved in extracellular ascorbate regeneration by erythrocytes in blood. May also act as a ferrireductase in airway epithelial cells (Probable). May also function as a cupric transmembrane reductase (By similarity).