Iron is an essential mineral necessary for proper body function. A balance of iron levels in the body is critical for optimal health. Having too little iron can lead to anemia, but having too much is a problem, too. A host of health problems can occur from excess iron in the system, and sometimes women are affected differently than men.
About Iron
Iron is an important micronutrient, present throughout the human body, as well as in animal and plant foods that humans consume. Without iron, you could not survive. It is required for proper red blood cell function, oxygen transport throughout the blood, oxygen storage of muscle cells, and protein and enzyme development. It's important to keep iron levels balanced in the body. Excess iron, either through excess consumption or a hereditary disorder, can cause a myriad of dangerous health concerns.
Iron Overload
Iron overload occurs when you introduce too much iron into your system through iron supplements, excess blood transfusions or iron injections. Iron then begins to accumulate around organs and in the tissues. This increases the risks for serious conditions such as liver disease, heart attack and diabetes. Symptoms include chronic fatigue, joint and abdominal pain, skin color changes to a bronze or ashen color, irregular heart beat and loss of interest in sex, among others. Women can also experience a lost menstrual cycle from iron overload.
Hemochromatosis
Hemochromatosis is a hereditary disorder that causes iron overload. With this condition, the body absorbs and stores too much iron from diet and supplements. Most people with hemochromatosis are diagnosed by middle-age, but sometimes a diagnosis is made at a younger age if symptoms emerge early. Symptoms of hemochromatosis depend on the organ affected by iron accumulation and may vary between men and women. They include all the symptoms listed for iron overload, which also include hair loss throughout the body, shortness of breath and arthritis.
Recommendations
Simple blood tests performed in the doctor's office can detect iron overload in your body. Fortunately, treatment is usually effective and involves removing blood from the body, called phlebotomy, similar to blood donation. It's important to detect iron overload in its early stages before severe damage can lead to chronic disorders such as liver and heart problems. If you take iron supplements, talk to your doctor about safe dosing levels for your specific case. In general, for adult women from 19 to 50, 18 mg of iron per day is recommended, decreasing to 8 mg after 51.
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