Hemochromatosis is a disorder that causes the body to store too much iron. High levels of iron in the blood can cause damage to the pancreas, liver and heart. Most of the time, hemochromatosis is hereditary. But the disorder can be caused by...
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...
The human body needs iron to function properly. Iron helps the hemoglobin in red blood cells carry oxygen, and it plays a role in the production of many enzymes that are necessary for cellular function and digestion. An iron deficiency can cause...
A serum iron blood test identifies high iron levels within the blood circulation. Although it is not a routinely ordered blood test, the serum iron test is ordered when a physician suspects iron overload. Although iron plays an important role in...
High iron in the blood is most commonly caused by hemochromatosis, a common genetic disorder. Symptoms of high iron in the blood include fatigue, weakness and pain in the abdomen near the liver. This condition is manageable through prescribed...
Iron is an essential mineral required by the human body for several critical biological processes, including red blood cell formation and protein synthesis. As one of the most abundant minerals on the planet, iron is often found in low levels in...
Excessive iron in the blood can be caused by iron overload, or hemochromatosis. This can often occur in people who get lots of red blood cell transfusions, who inherited the disease, or who have disorders such as anemia and alcoholism. If you are...
Essential nutrients are important for everyone, but especially for older adults. A healthy and nutritious diet in your later years can reduce your risk of osteoporosis, high blood pressure, heart disease and certain cancers. The essential...
Iron is a mineral essential for proper body functioning. Contrary to what vitamin companies and fortified foods would have you believe, your body needs very little iron to function normally. For this reason, it is quite easy to overdose on it....
Iron-deficiency anemia occurs when your body lacks enough iron to carry oxygen in your blood. If you have anemia, you may experience fatigue. A diet high in iron can address your anemia. Know what symptoms to look for, what to ask your doctor and...
A juice diet is typically used to lose weight and increase your intake of healthy nutrients. When you are following a juice diet that utilizes kale, you are likely consuming very few calories. Kale is a leafy green vegetable that is low in...
Iron is an essential mineral your body needs to function normally on a daily basis. An estimated 80 percent of people throughout the world are iron deficient, according to the Office of Dietary Supplements. If you're one of these people, your...
The human papillomavirus, or HPV, often manifests itself through the display of genital warts. HPV isn't usually lethal for carriers, but some types can elevate to more serious conditions, such as cervical, rectal or penile cancer. Most doctors...
Having an occasional alcoholic drink or two generally doesn't have an adverse effect on your body, but because your body can metabolize only small amounts of alcohol at a time, the remaining alcohol is left coursing through your body. With chronic...
Arthritis is a chronic condition characterized by pain, inflammation and disfigurement of joints. It may also result in limited joint mobility. This condition tends to worsen over time, causing more severe symptoms with age. Although there is no...
Iron is a relatively abundant and essential mineral within your body. Your body uses the majority of iron from your diet or from supplements to contribute to your red blood cells -- helping to bind, store and transport oxygen throughout your body....
Eating healthy nutritious foods can help lower blood cholesterol, blood sugar and blood pressure -- all of which are needed to sustain health and prolong life. People suffering from high cholesterol, high blood sugar or high blood pressure may...
While most people know that a healthy diet and moderate exercise are important for staying fit, surprisingly many forget about the third pillar of health: sleep. Without regular sleep, your mental and physical health can be seriously compromised....
The World Health Organization considers iron deficiency the world's most prevalent nutrition problem, estimating that up to 80 percent of the planet's population does not consume the recommended levels of iron in their diet. On the other hand,...
Iron is required by the body for oxygen transport and function, energy metabolism, DNA synthesis and also functions as an antioxidant. Iron deficiency is the most common nutrient deficiency in the United States, according to the Linus Pauling...
Iron is needed for the formation of blood, muscles and enzymes. However, it is needed only in small amounts as the body recycles iron. You can have iron levels that are too high, although this isn't very common, and these high iron levels can...
If you have hypothyroidism, you don't need to follow a special diet. However, there are some foods that you shouldn't eat close to the time when you take your medication, and others that you should cook before you eat. Some foods and supplements...
Iron is an essential nutrient the human body needs to make oxygen-carrying proteins found in red blood cells. Although iron deficiencies can cause health problems, iron consumed in excess can be toxic or even fatal. Iron toxicity caused by...
Your body requires several minerals to survive. While some minerals, such as calcium, are found abundantly in your body, other minerals -- called trace essential minerals -- are required in much smaller amounts. Trace minerals prove important to...
Because of a higher blood volume when you are pregnant, you need more iron to ensure the healthy growth of your fetus and avoid iron deficiency anemia that can cause preterm delivery and low birth weight. Infants need iron to grow and develop...
Beta thalassemia is an inherited blood disorder characterized by the abnormal production of a blood protein called hemoglobin. This condition is caused a mutation within the gene that is responsible for the healthy production of hemoglobin. In...
Your body needs iron to function properly, and a well-balanced diet should allow you to meet your needs. If your iron level gets too low, your physician may recommend iron supplements. All supplements can have side effects and it is best to...
During pregnancy, your body requires additional amounts of certain vitamins to meet the needs of your growing infant. Your healthcare provider should discuss nutritional needs and recommend a prenatal vitamin supplement. A vitamin that is...
Iron is a mineral found primarily in red blood cells and the myoglobin of muscle cells. Inadequate iron results in anemia, low energy and fatigue. Your iron requirements increase during pregnancy and prenatal iron supplements are generally...
