Iron is an essential mineral that plays a vital role in our body functions. It helps to transport oxygen throughout the body, aids in the metabolism of energy, helps to fight infections, and boosts our immune system.
However, too much of a good thing can be bad, and this is the case with iron. Iron overload is a condition where there is an excessive accumulation of iron in the body that can lead to serious health problems and even death.
What is Iron Overload?
Iron overload is also known as hemochromatosis, a genetic disorder where the body absorbs too much iron.
Our body has a mechanism to regulate iron absorption from food to keep a stable iron level, but in people with hemochromatosis, this mechanism doesn’t work correctly, and iron accumulates in various organs, especially the liver, heart, and pancreas. The build-up of iron can cause damage to the organs, leading to severe health complications, if left untreated.
Types of Iron Overload
There are two types of iron overload:.
Hereditary Hemochromatosis
Hereditary Hemochromatosis is a genetic disorder that causes the body to store too much iron. It is inherited from parents who carry a mutated HFE gene. The disorder is more common in people of Northern European descent.
Hereditary Hemochromatosis is divided into four types depending on the mutation of the HFE gene, which is responsible for regulating iron absorption.
Secondary Hemochromatosis
Secondary Hemochromatosis occurs due to other medical conditions, such as anemia, thalassemia, chronic liver disease, excessive blood transfusion, and alcoholism.
These conditions can cause an increase in iron absorption from food and supplements and lead to iron overload.
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Symptoms of Iron Overload
Iron overload symptoms may not manifest initially, and patients may not experience symptoms until later when the organs are damaged. The symptoms may vary from person to person, depending on which organs are affected and the severity of the overload.
The common symptoms are:.
- Fatigue
- Joint pain
- Abdominal pain
- Loss of sex drive
- Irritability
- Weakness
- Unexplained weight loss
- Jaundice
- Enlarged liver or spleen
- Irregular heartbeat
- Increased risk of infection
Diagnosis of Iron Overload
Iron overload may be diagnosed with a combination of medical history, physical examination, blood tests, and imaging tests. Some of the tests include:.
- Serum transferrin receptor test
- Ferritin test
- Iron test
- Tissue biopsy
- Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI)
- Liver function test
Treatment of Iron Overload
The treatment of iron overload depends on the underlying cause and severity of the overload. The treatment may include:.
- Phlebotomy or blood donation: Phlebotomy is a common treatment for hemochromatosis. The process involves removing blood from the body, which contains excess iron, to lower the iron level.
- Iron chelation therapy: Iron chelation therapy uses a medication that binds to excess iron in the blood and removes it from the body through urine or feces.
- Dietary changes: Dietary changes can help the body to absorb less iron. A low-iron diet may include avoiding foods such as red meat, eggs, fortified cereals, and iron supplements.
- Lifestyle changes: Lifestyle changes such as reducing alcohol consumption and avoiding vitamin C supplements can help the body to absorb less iron.
Complications of Iron Overload
If left untreated, iron overload can lead to serious health complications such as:.
- Liver damage
- Diabetes
- Heart disease
- Arthritis
- Infertility
- Increased risk of infections
- Thyroid dysfunction
- Hormonal imbalances
Preventing Iron Overload
Iron overload can’t be prevented, but early detection and treatment can prevent serious health complications. Some ways to prevent complications include:.
- Screening: Screening for hemochromatosis is recommended for people who have a family history of the condition or have symptoms of iron overload. Regular blood tests may also be done to check iron levels.
- Reducing iron intake: Reducing intake of iron-rich foods such as red meat, iron supplements, and vitamin C supplements can help to prevent iron overload.
- Limiting alcohol consumption: Excessive alcohol consumption can lead to liver damage, which can further worsen iron overload.
Conclusion
Iron overload is a serious medical condition that requires early detection and treatment. It can lead to irreversible organ damage and life-threatening health complications if not treated.
Hereditary hemochromatosis is a genetic disorder, while secondary hemochromatosis is caused by other medical conditions. The common symptoms of iron overload include fatigue, joint pain, and abdominal pain, among others. Iron overload can be diagnosed with a combination of medical history, blood tests, and imaging tests.
Treatment may include blood donations, iron chelation therapy, and dietary and lifestyle changes. Prevention involves screening, reducing iron intake, and limiting alcohol consumption.
