The Dangers of Iron Toxicity

Iron toxicity, also called hemochromatosis, can derive from either a genetic condition where the body cannot process iron, or simply from having too much iron in the bloodstream. The latter can be the result of too many blood transfusions or an excessive amount of iron supplements. Iron excess is far less common than iron deficiency and normally affects men. According to Dr. Ronald Hoffman, director of the Hoffman Medical Center in New York, about 1 percent of American men have some sort of iron toxicity. If left untreated, excess iron in the blood can cause heart disease, arthritis, liver failure and diabetes.

Liver Problems

• Iron is very hard on the liver. It cannot be broken down effectively in large doses, and as a result, liver failure, damage and even cancer all are possible affects of liver toxicity. From its adverse affect on the liver, the iron excess can begin to tint the skin, making it look metallic or even bronze. In fact, most of the problems caused by iron toxicity have their roots in their damage to the liver, forcing this vital organ to fail to process many other toxins in the body other than iron, leading to a host of problems.

Lethargy

• Excess iron can take energy away from the body as it attacks both the heart and the liver. Iron toxicity can poison the brain, which itself may create an inability to concentrate, as well as depression and other mental disorders. Ultimately, the symptoms of iron toxicity in this regard are identical to those of iron deficiency.

Joint Pain

• Toxicity can cause the inflammation of the joints, leading to arthritis. Iron removes both vitamin C and zinc from the body, leading to general pain and discomfort. Excess iron is deposited into the synovial membranes of the joints, which leads to joint pain. Iron can eliminate calcium from the body, leading to osteoporosis and other bone problems, as well.

Diabetes

• The iron, in excess, does damage to the pancreas, which is the organ that secretes insulin, the chemical that breaks down sugar in the body. Iron eliminates both chromium and zinc, both necessary for the creation and transportation of insulin.

Amenorrhea

• This condition refers to the inability of females to menstruate. Iron toxicity can do damage to the uterus, leading to the lack of deposited eggs, as well as bringing on early menopause. In men, iron toxicity can lead to impotence and very low sperm count.

Mental Problems

• Since excess iron eliminates zinc and raises sodium levels, this can lead to hyperactivity in some cases, as zinc is a sedating mineral. Nervousness and irritability also may result. As zinc and calcium are eliminated from the brain, serious mental disorders such as schizophrenia may develop.