Iron supplements are vital for those with insufficient amounts of iron; however, an overabundance of iron in your system may contribute to life-threatening diseases such as cancer. Additionally, the iron overload disease, hemochromatosis, may damage crucial organs such as your liver and heart, significantly decreasing life span. When beginning to take iron or any new supplement, consult your doctor.
Definition
Iron is an essential mineral critical for human life. Located in your red blood cells, iron provides oxygen to every cell in the body. Iron also produces the primary energy-source molecule, adenosine triphoshate, or ATP. It is stored primarily in the liver, bone marrow, muscles and spleen.
Source
Iron can be obtained through both animal and plant food sources that include lean red meat, poultry, fish, beans and lentils as well as by taking iron supplements, according to the Office of Dietary Supplements. Those with an iron-deficiency such as anemia, may be advised to take iron supplements. The ODS states that the best iron supplements are the ferrous iron salts --- ferrous fumarate, ferrous sulfate and ferrous gluconate. Begin an iron supplement only under the supervision of your doctor.
Effects
Excessive amounts of an iron supplement may shorten your life span. The University of Maryland Medical Center reports that adult men, ages 19 to 50, need 8 mg of iron and women of the same age require 18 mg. Iron supplements that are 50 to 100 times greater than the recommended daily allowance, however, can result in a severe iron overdose that damages gastrointestinal tract cells and may cause death. High levels of iron have also been associated with an increased risk of other deadly diseases, such as cancer and heart disease.
Hemochromatosis
Hemochromatosis is the most common form of iron overload disease, according to the National Digestive Diseases Clearinghouse. Primary hemochromatosis is an inherited condition, whereas secondary hemochromatosis may be caused by other disorders. Hemochromatosis may result from the extended use of large iron supplements. In hemochromatosis, the body absorbs and stores too much iron -- which can lead to the buildup of iron in your organs and subsequent damage. The NDDIC reports that, without treatment, hemochromatosis may cause your liver, heart or pancreas to fail.
Heart Disease
Heart disease may be adversely affected by iron in your body. The Office of Dietary Supplements reports that evidence suggests iron stimulates free-radicals --- natural body byproducts that might lead to cardiovascular disease --- by inflaming and damaging coronary arteries. Iron may also play a role in the oxidation of LDL, or "bad" cholesterol, creating a more damaging form of the cholesterol that negatively affects coronary arteries.
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