Excess iron, also known as iron overload or hemochromatosis, occurs when the body stores more iron than it can adequately use or eliminate. While iron is an essential mineral required for many physiological processes, too much of it can cause serious health problems. The human body tightly regulates iron absorption to maintain a delicate equilibrium since excess iron is difficult to expel. One major cause of iron excess is familial hemochromatosis, a genetic condition that impairs the body's capacity to regulate iron absorption. Individuals with this disorder absorb more iron than they require from their food, resulting in progressive buildup in organs such as the liver, heart, and pancreas. Aside from genetics, excessive iron intake via dietary supplements or blood transfusions can lead to iron overload. High dietary iron intake is usually not a problem for healthy people since the body has systems that adjust absorption based on its needs. However, people with specific diseases or genetic predispositions may be more prone to storing extra iron. Excess iron can cause subtle symptoms that mirror other health conditions, making diagnosis difficult without specific testing. Fatigue, joint pain, and stomach pain are all potential early indications. As iron accumulates, it can cause more serious issues such as liver cirrhosis, diabetes, and heart disease. Regular monitoring of iron levels via blood testing is critical for spotting excess iron early. Treatment often involves therapeutic phlebotomy, a treatment that involves extracting blood to lower iron levels. Additionally, dietary adjustments and the avoidance of iron supplementation may be advised. Managing extra iron is critical to avoiding issues. If left untreated, iron excess can cause organ damage and have a substantial influence on a person's quality of life. To address excess iron and maintain a good iron balance in the body, it is critical to be aware of the risk factors, have frequent health check-ups, and act early.
