Much of the iron in the body is contained in hemoglobin. Hemoglobin is the component of red blood cells that enables them to carry oxygen and deliver it to the body’s tissues. Iron is also an important component of muscle cells and is necessary for the formation of many enzymes in the body.
(See also Overview of Minerals Overview of Minerals Minerals are necessary for the normal functioning of the body’s cells. The body needs relatively large quantities of Calcium Chloride Magnesium read more .)
Food contains two types of iron:
Heme iron: Animal products contain heme iron. It is absorbed much better than nonheme iron.
Nonheme iron: Most foods and iron supplements contain nonheme iron. It accounts for more than 85% of iron in the average diet. However, less than 20% of nonheme iron that is consumed is absorbed into the body. Nonheme iron is absorbed better when it is consumed with animal protein and with vitamin C.
Excess iron can accumulate in the body. Causes include the following:
Repeated blood transfusions
Iron therapy given in excessive amounts or for too long
Alcohol use disorder
An overdose of iron
Excess iron consumed all at once causes vomiting, diarrhea, and damage to the intestine and other organs. Excess iron consumed over a period of time may damage the heart and the liver.
Diagnosis of iron toxicity is based on a doctor's evaluation and sometimes requires confirmation with blood tests to measure levels of iron and ferritin (a protein that stores iron).
Treatment often consists of deferoxamine given intravenously. This drug binds with iron and carries it out of the body in urine. Hemochromatosis is treated with bloodletting (phlebotomy).
Drugs Mentioned In This Article
| Generic Name | Select Brand Names |
|---|---|
deferoxamine |
Desferal |
