Iron is an important mineral necessary for the production of hemoglobin, the oxygen-carrying protein in red blood cells. It also helps regulate cell growth. Normally, people absorb the iron they need from food. Certain disorders or use of dietary supplements can cause too much iron to accumulate in the tissues of the body. This may result in signs and symptoms of iron toxicity.
Hereditary Hemochromatosis
Hereditary hemochromatosis is a disease primarily caused by a genetic defect that results in the absorption of too much iron from the digestive tract. It is one of the most common genetic conditions in the United States and affects mostly those of northern European descent, according to the National Digestive Diseases Information Clearinghouse.
With hereditary hemochromatosis, iron slowly and progressively builds up in the tissues and organs of the body. Eventually, this results in damage to many organs, especially the pancreas, liver and heart.
Symptoms of hemochromatosis develop slowly over time, as iron deposits accumulate in the body. Early indicators of the condition may include fatigue, low thyroid function and diabetes mellitus. Other symptoms are joint pain, abnormal skin pigmentation and impotence in men. Severe damage to the liver and heart are common complications of this disorder.
Alcoholism
Alcohol abuse can also result in an elevated level of iron in the body. The increased iron deposits due to alcoholism are primarily confined to the liver and not in other parts of the body, says the University of Utah Health Sciences Library.
Excessive alcohol consumption leads to the build-up of fat in the liver. With continued drinking, the liver becomes inflamed, and liver cells begin to die in a process called alcoholic hepatitis. Eventually, alcoholism can lead to cirrhosis and complete liver failure. The accumulation of iron in the liver harms it even further, as this increases free radical damage.
Excessive Iron Intake
High iron levels can also occur because of an increased consumption of iron-fortified foods or dietary supplements that contain iron. With these sources of iron, the iron storage pools of the body may eventually become full, and excess amounts of the mineral begin to deposit into the tissues. An average adult absorbs about 1 mg of iron for every 15 mg he consumes, according to the Merck Manuals Medical Library. Taking iron supplements can push absorption to higher levels.
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