Iron is an essential mineral that our body needs to transport oxygen from our lungs to the rest of our body. It is essential for our overall health.

However, excess iron in our body can be harmful and lead to conditions such as hemochromatosis or iron overload disease.

What is iron overload?

Iron overload is caused due to excess iron accumulation in the body. This condition can lead to damage to different organs such as the liver, heart, and pancreas. Our body has no natural way to get rid of excess iron.

Hence, it can lead to serious health concerns if left untreated.

Symptoms

In the early stages, iron overload may not have any apparent symptoms. However, as the excess iron accumulates in different organs of the body, it can lead to the following symptoms:.

Joint pain
Chronic fatigue
Abdominal pain
Weight loss
Weakness
Irregular heartbeat

Iron overload can affect both men and women of all ages, but it is more common in men as they do not lose blood regularly through menstruation.

Causes of iron overload

Iron overload can be caused due to the following reasons:.

Hemochromatosis: A genetic disorder that results in excess iron accumulation in the body.
Multiple blood transfusions: Transfusion of blood can lead to excessive iron accumulation in the body.
Iron supplements: Taking excessive iron supplements can lead to iron overload.
Excessive alcohol consumption: Drinking alcohol can cause liver damage, which can lead to iron accumulation in the liver.

Diagnosis

Iron overload is diagnosed through a simple blood test that measures the amount of iron in the blood. A higher than normal level of iron in the blood is an indication of iron overload.

In addition to the blood test, a liver biopsy may also be required to check for iron accumulation in the liver.

Treatment

The treatment of iron overload depends on the underlying cause. If the condition is caused due to hemochromatosis, regular blood donation can help reduce the iron levels in the body.

In some cases, medication may also be prescribed to remove excess iron from the body. For people with iron overload caused due to multiple blood transfusions, it may be necessary to reduce the number of transfusions or even stop them. Iron supplements should be avoided unless prescribed by a doctor.

Prevention

Iron overload can be prevented by avoiding excessive iron supplements, limiting alcohol consumption, and getting regular blood tests to monitor iron levels in the blood.

For people with a family history of hemochromatosis, it is a good idea to get tested for the condition and follow the necessary precautions.

Conclusion

Iron overload can be a serious condition that can lead to organ damage if left untreated. Early diagnosis and treatment can help prevent serious health concerns and improve the quality of life.

Follow a healthy lifestyle, get regular check-ups, and avoid excessive iron supplements to keep your iron levels in check.