Found in your red blood cells and in animal food sources, heme iron can be dangerous at high levels. When your body absorbs more heme iron than you need, either because of a genetic disorder or excessive iron intake, you may be at risk for hemochromatosis, or iron storage disease, say the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. If left untreated, heme iron toxicity may result in liver disease, diabetes, heart failure or cancer.
Causes
Heme is the red, oxygen-carrying pigment that gives hemoglobin its name. Because the heme iron found in animal food sources, like beef or pork, is the same as the heme in your blood, you absorb it more easily than the iron in vegetables, beans, whole grains or other nonmeat foods. Genetic factors may predispose your body to absorb excessive amounts of heme iron. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention reports that hereditary hemochromatosis is the most common source of heme iron toxicity in the United States. Excessive intake of iron from oral supplements may lead to toxicity as well, especially after age 50.
Symptoms
In the early stages of heme iron toxicity, you may have hard-to-define symptoms like energy loss, an upset stomach and generalized aches. As heme iron accumulates in the body's tissues, symptoms like hair loss, skin discoloration, abdominal pain and joint pain may develop. At advanced levels, heme iron affects almost all of your organs, especially the heart, liver and kidneys. Addressing the overload in its initial phase can prevent the more serious effects of heme iron toxicity, states the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.
Diagnosis and Treatment
Heart problems, menstrual irregularities, chronic fatigue or joint pain may point to heme iron toxicity. Laboratory tests can detect high iron levels in your blood and determine how easily you absorb heme iron. Elevated transferrin saturation and serum ferritin values may indicate hemochromatosis. The most common treatment is phlebotomy, the extraction of excess heme iron through the removal of blood. With early intervention, phlebotomy can reverse some of the damage caused by heme iron toxicity.
Supplements
The Office of Dietary Supplements recommends using iron supplements only under medical supervision, especially in midlife. A study published in 2005 in the "American Journal of Clinical Nutrition" reports that iron supplements can increase stored iron in men and women over 50 and result in heme iron overload. Taking vitamin C supplements may increase your risk of heme iron toxicity, as vitamin C increases iron absorption.
Dietary Precautions
Following the guidelines for iron intake for your age group can prevent heme iron toxicity. To meet your daily iron requirements, focus on foods that are rich in nonheme iron, like spinach, dried beans and tofu. To decrease the amount of iron you absorb, avoid eating these iron sources in combination with foods rich in vitamin C. Speak with your health care provider about developing a nutritional plan to keep your iron levels within a normal range.
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