What Are Excess Iron Deposits in the Body Called?

Excess iron deposits form in the body when underlying circumstances promote abnormal rates of iron absorption in various organs and tissues. This condition---called iron overload---may be caused by genetic or acquired factors.

Significance

• Even mild cases of iron overload can trigger damage in vital organs and increase the risks of developing a number of ailments, including heart failure, heart attack, liver cancer, arthritis and diabetes, according to the Iron Disorders Institute.

Genetic Causes

• Normally, the body controls iron absorption through the actions of a number of genes, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. The Iron Disorders Institute cites genetic conditions leading to iron overload that include hemochromatosis, thalassemia, sickle anemia and certain enzyme deficiencies.

Non-genetic Causes

• Non-genetic causes include high levels of iron supplementation and repeated blood transfusions, notes the Iron Disorders Institute.

Symptoms

• The CDC and the Iron Disorders Institute cite potential symptoms of iron overload that include joint or abdominal pain, fatigue, hair loss, impotence, infertility, elevated blood sugar, depression, weight loss, weakness and early onset of menopause.

Treatments

• Treatment of iron overload requires a reduction of iron content in the blood, reports the Iron Disorders Institute. Methods of reduction include blood draining, blood donation and chelation (chemical removal) of blood iron.