By definition, iron overload is having an excess of iron in the body. Excessive levels of iron in vital organs can increase the risk of all of the aforementioned and even lead to heart failure and enhance the development of neuro-degenerative diseases such as Alzheimer’s, Parkinson’s and multiple sclerosis.
Iron overload can be inherited or the result of consuming high levels of supplemental iron. Genetically, it has been linked to hemochromatosis and enzyme deficiencies like pyruvate kinase and glucose-6-phosphate dehydrogenase.
The primary function of iron in the body is to transport oxygen via red blood cells. Almost 70 percent of the iron found in the human body exists in the form of hemoglobin and myoglobin. Hemoglobin is essential for transferring oxygen from the lungs to all human cells and tissue. Myoglobin — which is found in muscle cells — accepts, stores, transports and releases oxygen in the muscles. Iron is an essential element for respiratory function, energy metabolism and proper immune function.
The treatment for iron overload is iron reduction therapy. Thus it is important to have your iron levels checked which can be done with simple blood work at your doctor’s office. Foods rich in iron include green leafy vegetables, veal, pork, liver, lamb and shell fish. –dr. torrance stephens, ph.d.
