The Consequences Of Too Much Iron In Body

Iron-deficiency anemia is a serious health concern throughout the world, particularly for children and women. In fact, the World Health Organization reports that this form of anemia is responsible for 20 percent of female deaths in developing countries. It's also the culprit behind millions of medical exams in the United States. Yet iron toxicity or poisoning also warrants your attention because of its potential effects on the body -- some of which might be life-threatening.

Acute Overdose

Acute iron overdose is a life-threatening medical emergency, although its incidence has decreased due to efforts to keep iron tablets out of kids' hands. Even 5 to 10 mg per pound of iron can be hazardous to children, according to the University of Virginia's Blue Ridge Poison Center. Poisoning victims are classified into one of five levels, which detail the consequences of the excess iron after ingestion up to eight weeks later. Effects range from gastrointestinal distress and lethargy to organ failure, cardiovascular problems and liver cirrhosis.

Chronic Diseases

The role excess iron might play in certain chronic diseases has become a prominent research focus. For instance, having iron overload might put you at increased risk for type 2 diabetes, as some research shows that diabetics have high iron levels, according to Colorado State University dietitian Jennifer Anderson. High iron levels might also contribute to oxidative damage from free radicals. This damage might affect the heart and brain, increasing the risk for heart disease and neurological conditions such as Alzheimer's disease. Increased risk for liver cancer is also possible due to an iron overload's effect on the organ. More research is needed in all of these areas, however, to find evidence of a direct link between iron and disease.

Hemochromatosis

Excessive iron absorption is a major health concern if you have hemochromatosis, in which your body stores high levels of the mineral. The heart, pancreas and liver are the main organs where this excess iron is kept. Hemochromatosis is typically an inherited condition resulting from a genetic mutation. It is more common in men, although women are more susceptible to the effects of this mutation after menopause. Your organs' iron storage might be up to 20 times more than normal. You can develop hemochromatosis if your long-term iron intake is excessively high, although this is not as common as the hereditary form of the condition.

Effects

Symptoms of hemochromatosis might not present until adulthood. They include fatigue, joint pain, upper-right abdomen pain, loss of menstruation in women, and loss of libido. The excessive iron over time puts you at risk for organ damage, skin color changes, congestive heart failure and heart arrhythmia. The damage to the pancreas increases your likelihood for developing diabetes; cirrhosis of the liver is a possible consequence of this condition as well.