What Does Too Much Iron In Your Blood Mean?

Iron is an essential trace mineral that allows your body to create hemoglobin, the protein center of your red blood cells. Normally, about 70 percent of the iron in your body is located in the hemoglobin of your red blood cells. Too much iron in your blood, however, can indicate a variety of different health conditions, or it may occur as a result of your environment.

General Symptoms

Too much iron in the blood can cause some general symptoms, including fatigue, weakness, joint pain, abdominal pain, decreased libido, abnormal heart beat and general malaise. If you experience any of these symptoms, your doctor may order a serum iron test, which measures the total amount of iron in your blood, as well as a serum ferritin test, which measures the total amount of iron stored in your body. These tests can help identify the underlying cause of increased iron levels.

Hemochromatosis

Hemochromatosis is a type of iron overload that causes the body to absorb and store excess amounts of iron. According to the National Digestive Diseases Information Clearinghouse, healthy people absorb approximately 10 percent of the iron they eat, whereas those with hemochromatosis absorb up to 30 percent. This leads to increased levels of iron in the blood, which, if left untreated, can cause liver and heart failure.

Hemolytic Anemia

Hemolytic anemia is characterized by a premature destruction of red blood cells. Normally, red blood cells live for a period of 120 days before they die and are removed from the bloodstream and new red blood cells take their place. In those with hemolytic anemia, the rate of red blood cell destruction is increased and red blood cells do not live for their full 120-day life span. This increased breakdown of red blood cells can lead to increased levels of iron in your blood. Hemolytic anemia is a chronic condition that requires lifelong management.

Iron Poisoning

Iron poisoning usually occurs as a result of excessive iron supplementation. Consumption of 20 to 60 mg per kg of iron can cause mild to moderate toxicity, whereas consumption of greater than 60 mg per kg of iron can lead to severe toxicity, according to The Children's Hospital of Philadelphia.

Early symptoms of iron poisoning include diarrhea, fever, nausea, stomach pain, stomach cramps and vomiting. According to MayoClinic.com, these symptoms generally begin within 60 minutes after iron overdose. Later symptoms of iron poisoning pale skin, clammy skin, shallow breathing, weak heartbeat, increased heart rate, blue-colored lips, hands and fingernails and seizures. If you experience any of these symptoms, seek emergency medical treatment.

Environmental Exposure

The amount of iron in your blood can also increase as a result of exposure to certain elements. If you are a smoker or are regularly exposed to tobacco smoke, this can increase your iron levels. People who live in highly-polluted areas, like large cities, can also develop too much iron in the blood. People who are exposed to iron-containing asbestos or those who work in subways, coal mines or iron smelters can also have increased levels of iron in the blood, according to the Iron Disorders Institute.