We are independent & ad-supported. We may earn a commission for purchases made through our links.
Advertiser Disclosure
Our website is an independent, advertising-supported platform. We provide our content free of charge to our readers, and to keep it that way, we rely on revenue generated through advertisements and affiliate partnerships. This means that when you click on certain links on our site and make a purchase, we may earn a commission. Learn more.
How We Make Money
We sustain our operations through affiliate commissions and advertising. If you click on an affiliate link and make a purchase, we may receive a commission from the merchant at no additional cost to you. We also display advertisements on our website, which help generate revenue to support our work and keep our content free for readers. Our editorial team operates independently of our advertising and affiliate partnerships to ensure that our content remains unbiased and focused on providing you with the best information and recommendations based on thorough research and honest evaluations. To remain transparent, we’ve provided a list of our current affiliate partners here.
Conditions

Our Promise to you

Founded in 2002, our company has been a trusted resource for readers seeking informative and engaging content. Our dedication to quality remains unwavering—and will never change. We follow a strict editorial policy, ensuring that our content is authored by highly qualified professionals and edited by subject matter experts. This guarantees that everything we publish is objective, accurate, and trustworthy.

Over the years, we've refined our approach to cover a wide range of topics, providing readers with reliable and practical advice to enhance their knowledge and skills. That's why millions of readers turn to us each year. Join us in celebrating the joy of learning, guided by standards you can trust.

What Are the Effects of High Iron Levels?

By H. Colledge
Updated: Mar 03, 2024
Views: 19,434
Share

High iron levels in the blood may be found in association with a disease known as hemochromatosis, where too much iron is absorbed from food, in people who receive multiple blood transfusions or who take iron supplements, and in a number of other diseases, such as porphyria cutanea tarda. Normally, iron is used by the body to manufacture blood cells, and some is stored inside the liver. High levels of iron in the blood cause iron overload, and the liver becomes damaged due to excess iron storage. Other parts of the body also begin to store iron, such as the heart, pancreas, joints and glands. In addition to liver disease, problems such as heart abnormalities, diabetes, arthritis and fatigue may result.

At first, when blood levels of iron begin to rise, there may not be any symptoms. Sometimes, non-specific problems, such as feeling tired and the development of painful joints, may be experienced in the early stages of iron toxicity. In the hands, arthritis could occur and, typically, this spares the thumb but affects the next two fingers. On the skin, the effects of high iron may cause a bronze appearance. Pain in the abdomen may arise, and this is sometimes located in the region of the liver, just under the ribs on the right hand side.

Women with high iron levels may find that their periods become less frequent or stop completely, and both men and women may notice a loss of libido. Psychological changes could occur and people may be depressed, forgetful or irritable. In cases where there are no noticeable symptoms, high iron levels may be discovered when a blood test shows high ferritin levels, or abnormal liver function. Ferritin is a type of protein which stores iron, and measuring the amount present in blood serum is a way of determining the body's iron levels. Where symptoms of elevated iron levels are not recognized and remain untreated, the risk is that body organs could become irreversibly damaged.

The treatment of high levels of iron depends on the cause. Hemochromatosis may be managed by regularly withdrawing blood, so that the body uses up its excess iron to make more blood cells. This treatment is known as venesection.

In other cases, drugs known as chelating agents may be used to remove iron from the blood. If left untreated, serious complications of high iron levels such as heart failure and liver cirrhosis may develop. With treatment, depending on the underlying condition and how far it has progressed, some or all of the effects of high iron levels may be reversed.

Share
The Health Board is dedicated to providing accurate and trustworthy information. We carefully select reputable sources and employ a rigorous fact-checking process to maintain the highest standards. To learn more about our commitment to accuracy, read our editorial process.
Discussion Comments
Share
https://www.thehealthboard.com/what-are-the-effects-of-high-iron-levels.htm
Copy this link
The Health Board, in your inbox

Our latest articles, guides, and more, delivered daily.

The Health Board, in your inbox

Our latest articles, guides, and more, delivered daily.