Iron is an essential element for life. Too low its level causes anemia, but its excess is also a dangerous condition for humans. Iron is part of red blood cells and is responsible for oxygen transport, proper cell growth, strengthens the body’s immunity and determines its proper functioning. Iron overload happens much less frequently than iron deficiency. What are the consequences of such a condition?
Excess Iron in the Blood
Too much iron can be very dangerous for us. Its decks include they are accumulated in the liver or pancreas and cause poisoning of the body . Iron not bound to hemoglobin, the so-called free iron accelerates oxidative processes that are very detrimental to health.
By the age of 18, the excess iron that is accumulated is about 1 mg per day, about 80% remains in the blood. Women are less exposed to excess iron circulating in the body, as they lose iron during menstruation. You can read more about iron requirements in this article .
Excess iron in the blood – symptoms
The typical symptoms of excess iron are general weakness, fatigue, and often mental malaise. Weight loss appears, as well as pain in the joints. It is worth noting that the problem of excess iron affects mainly middle-aged men. The symptoms are not specific, often confused with fatigue or a lack of nutrients.
When this situation lasts longer and there is no correct diagnosis, it results in extreme exhaustion and a lack of energy. If the problem affects women, menstrual problems and irregularities arise. Both men and women have a decreased libido.
Another disturbing symptom may be a change in the color of the skin to earthy, gray-brown combined with a metallic sheen. In addition, hair may disappear in the pubic area and in the armpits. Blood tests reveal abnormal liver enzyme values that affect the way the liver functions.
ImportantAs iron in the blood increases, the levels of LDL cholesterol, glucose and triglycerides increase, and blood pressure increases.
Excess Iron in the Blood – Effects
The effects of overloading the body with iron are very dangerous to health. There are problems with the joints, heart, liver, pancreas and an abnormal lipid profile. This chronic condition can lead to the development of diabetes and cirrhosis of the liver. An excess of this element causes hormonal disorders and may even lead to the development of neoplasms.
The locomotor system is exposed to chronic inflammation and the appearance of degenerations, which makes it difficult to move around and causes a lot of pain. Excess iron promotes the growth of bacteria, which can lead to serious complications (sepsis).
Excess Iron in the Blood – Causes
The cause of the excessive amount of iron in the blood may be a diet rich in this element , which is based mainly on red meat, because it is rich in heme iron, which is the best digestible form of the element.
The second, very important reason for the appearance of excess iron is the metabolic disease – haemochromatosis , which is associated with excessive absorption of iron from the gastrointestinal tract, coming from food. There are two forms of this disease: primary and secondary.
The primary form involves the inheritance of a gene mutation that controls iron absorption in intestinal epithelial cells. It is caused by inheriting a faulty gene from both parents. It is therefore a fairly rare form of the disease.
Secondary form of haemochromatosis is not common. It may result from maintaining an inadequate diet or, as in the case of the mixed form, it is associated with the reduction of iron consumption in disorders of the hematopoietic system, excessive iron release from red blood cells and liver cells.
Diet with excess iron
Diet for excess iron in the blood can make a big difference. Meals should contain products that will not be the source of the easily digestible form of this element. Thanks to this, the accumulation of iron in the body will not increase . Plant-based foods contain forms of iron that are not easily absorbed by the body, while green tea consumption can reduce the amount of iron absorbed after eating a meal, which in the case of excess iron in the blood can be extremely positive. Green tea is also mentioned along with other plant materials supporting the treatment of cancer.
It is not recommended to use alcohol because it causes the accumulation of this element in the body.
Products, substances that bind to the element will have a positive effect on reducing its content in the blood. These include: blueberries, coffee, green tea, onions, fruit, whole grains.
Iron deficiency is dangerous and bad for your health. As it turns out, its excess can also be dangerous, causing numerous ailments, and in extreme cases damaging the organs in which it accumulates. The right diet, in conjunction with medical care and diagnosis, can help eliminate excess iron in the blood.
