- Symptoms of excess iron
- Complications of excess iron in the blood
- How to know blood iron levels
- How to treat excess iron
- 1. Phlebotomy
- 2. Changes in diet
- 3. Use iron chelation supplement
Excess iron in the blood can cause tiredness, weight loss for no apparent reason, weakness, hair loss and changes in the menstrual cycle, for example, and can be treated with the use of medications, changes in diet or phlebotomy, for example, according to medical recommendation. In addition, it can also result in the failure of some organs, such as the liver, pancreas, heart and thyroid, as well as favor the onset of liver cancer.
Elevated iron levels are usually linked to a genetic disease called hemochromatosis, but they can also be linked to excessive blood transfusions or the use of vitamin supplements, for example, it is important to have blood tests to know the iron levels in the blood and thus start treatment.
Symptoms of excess iron
The first signs and symptoms of excess iron can be seen in men between 30 and 50 years of age and in women after menopause, as during menstruation there is loss of iron, which delays the onset of symptoms.
Excess iron can cause some non-specific symptoms that can be confused with other diseases such as infections or hormonal changes, for example, such as tiredness, weakness and abdominal pain, for example. Other symptoms that may be indicative of excess iron in the blood are:
- Tiredness; Weakness; Impotence; Abdominal pain; Weight loss; Joint pain; Loss of hair; Changes in menstrual cycles; Arrhythmias; Swelling; Testicular atrophy.
The excess of iron in the blood can happen due to prolonged anemia, constant blood transfusion, alcoholism, thalassemia, excessive use of iron supplement or hemochromatosis, which is a genetic disease that leads to increased absorption of iron in the intestine, which can lead to to changes in skin tone. Learn all about hemochromatosis.
Complications of excess iron in the blood
Iron that is found in excess in the body can accumulate in various organs, such as heart, liver and pancreas, for example, which can result in some complications, such as increased liver fat, cirrhosis, heart palpitations, diabetes and arthritis, for example.
In addition, the accumulation of iron in the body can also accelerate the aging process due to the accumulation of free radicals in the cells. The liver is the most affected organ, resulting in liver dysfunction.
Therefore, if there are symptoms of excess iron or if the person has periods of anemia or blood transfusion, it is important that you go to the doctor so that the iron levels are assessed and, thus, complications can be prevented.
How to know blood iron levels
Blood iron levels can be checked by means of blood tests, which in addition to informing the amount of circulating iron, also assess the amount of ferritin, which is a protein responsible for the body's iron supply. Learn more about the Ferritin test.
In cases of hemacromatosis, family history of excess iron in the blood or alcoholism, for example, it is important to periodically monitor blood iron levels and thus avoid complications. In addition, it is important that the person is aware of the symptoms of excess iron, such as weakness, abdominal pain or weight loss without an apparent cause so that treatment can be started if necessary.
How to treat excess iron
The treatment to decrease the amount of iron in the blood varies according to the levels of this mineral, symptoms and whether or not there are complications, and the following strategies can be adopted:
1. Phlebotomy
Phlebotomy, also called therapeutic bleeding, consists of drawing between 450 and 500 ml of blood from the patient, helping to also reduce the amount of iron in the body.
The procedure is simple and done as if it were a blood donation and the amount of liquid removed is replaced in the form of saline.
2. Changes in diet
To help control, one should avoid consuming foods rich in iron, such as liver, gizzards, red meats, seafood, beans and dark green vegetables, such as kale and spinach. Find out which iron-rich foods to avoid.
In addition, one should consume foods that decrease the absorption of iron in the body, such as milk and dairy products and black tea. A good strategy is to consume a yogurt as a lunch and dinner dessert, for example.
3. Use iron chelation supplement
Chelators are medicines that bind iron in the body and prevent this nutrient from accumulating and harming other organs, such as the liver, pancreas and heart.
Chelators can be taken in the form of tablets or administered via a subcutaneous needle for about 7 hours, releasing the medication under the skin while the person sleeps.
