Excess iron in the blood can cause fatigue, unexpmoting weight loss, weakness, hair loss, and changes in the menstrual cycle, for example, and can be treated with medications, dietary changes, or phlebotomy, for example, on a medical recommendation.In addition, it can also cause organ failure, such as the liver, pancreas, heart and thyroid, as well as promote the development of liver cancer.
High iron levels are often linked to a genetic condition called hemochromatosis, but they can also be linked to excessive blood transfusions or the use of vitamin supplements, for example, it is important to do blood tests to know the levels of iron in the blood to start treatment.
- The first signs and symptoms of excess iron can be seen in men between the ages of 30 and 50 and in women after menopause.
- Because during menstruation there is a loss of iron.
- Which delays the onset of symptoms.
Excess iron can cause nonspecific symptoms that can be confused with other diseases such as infections or hormonal changes, such as fatigue, weakness, and abdominal pain, such as other symptoms that may indicate excess iron in the blood include:
Excess iron in the blood can occur due to prolonged anemia, constant blood transfusion, alcoholism, thalassemia, overuse of iron supplements or hemochromatosis, which is a genetic disease that causes greater absorption of iron in the intestine, which can lead to changes in the complexion.Learn all about hemochromatosis.
Excess iron in the body can accumulate in various organs, such as the heart, liver and pancreas, for example, which can lead to certain complications, such as increased liver fat, cirrhosis, heart palpitations, diabetes and arthritis , for example.
In addition, iron buildup in the body can also speed up the aging process due to the accumulation of free radicals in cells.The liver is the most affected organ, leading to liver dysfunction.
Therefore, if there are symptoms of excess iron or if the person has periods of anemia or blood transfusion, it is important to see your doctor for an evaluation of iron levels to avoid complications.
Blood iron levels can be verified by blood tests that, in addition to indicating the amount of iron in circulation, also evaluate the amount of ferritin, which is a protein responsible for iron intake in the body.Learn more about ferritin analysis.
In the case of hemaromatosis, a family history of excess iron in the blood or alcoholism, for example, it is important to regularly monitor iron levels in the blood to avoid complications.In addition, it is important for the person to know the symptoms of excess iron, such as weakness, abdominal pain or unexplained weight loss, so that they can start treatment if necessary.
Treatment to reduce the amount of iron in the blood varies depending on the levels of this mineral, the symptoms and whether or not complications exist, the following strategies may be adopted:
Phlebotomy, also known as therapeutic hemorrhage, involves taking between 450 and 500 ml of the patient’s blood, which also helps reduce the amount of iron in the body.
The procedure is simple and is performed as if it were a blood donation and the amount of fluid that is taken is replenished as a saline solution.
To help control it, avoid eating iron-rich foods such as liver, gizzards, red meats, seafood, beans, and dark green vegetables, such as kale and spinach.Discover iron-rich foods to avoid.
In addition, foods that reduce the absorption of iron into the body, such as milk and dairy products and black tea, should be consumed.A good strategy is to eat yogurt for dessert at lunch and dinner, for example.
Chelating is medicines that bind iron to the body and prevent iron from accumulating and damaging other organs, such as the liver, pancreas, and heart.
Chelating can be taken as tablets or administered by a subcutaneous needle for approximately 7 hours, releasing the medicine under the skin while the person sleeps.