It's no secret that a normal level of iron is extremely important for the body. After all, this metal is an integral part of hemoglobin - the protein responsible for the transfer of gases, in particular oxygen. But if there is an excess of iron, various and often dangerous disorders also occur in the body. So what caused the increase in the level of this substance? What are the symptoms of this condition?
Excess iron in the body: the main causes
To begin with, it is worth noting that the daily requirement of the body for iron is from 10 to 30 mg. Excess metal accumulates in the tissues of the heart, liver and kidneys, thereby disrupting their normal functioning. Iron in excess in the body can be observed in various cases:
- To begin with, it is worth mentioning the excess intake of this element from the outside. Naturally, iron is found in foods. But sometimes salts of this metal are also present in drinking water.
- Statistics show that the problem of excess iron is most often encountered among residents of large cities, which is mainly associated with the environmental situation and air quality. If the oxygen level is too low, the body begins to produce more hemoglobin, with the result that the level of iron rises sharply.
- Uncontrolled intake of drugs containing this element can also lead to imbalance.
- On the other hand, iron in excess in the body is found in various diseases of the liver and kidneys, in particular those that occur against the background of chronic alcoholism.
- Several repeated blood transfusions will naturally affect hemoglobin levels.
- Of course, it is worth mentioning hemochromatosis - a chronic hereditary disease that is accompanied by increased absorption and accumulation of iron in the tissues.
Excessive iron in the body: symptoms
As already mentioned, iron primarily accumulates in the tissues of the kidneys, liver and myocardium, respectively, causing damage to these organs.
The disease develops gradually. First, there is weakness, increased fatigue and decreased performance, dizziness and headaches. Along with this, there is a deterioration in appetite, a decrease in body weight. In patients, hyperpigmentation of the skin of the feet, palms and armpits can be noticed. Sometimes severe skin itching appears.
In connection with damage to the heart muscle, some problems arise in the functioning of the circulatory system, in particular, a violation of normal heart rhythm. Damage to the liver is also accompanied by very noticeable symptoms - this is yellowing of the sclera of the eyes, mucous membranes and skin.
If iron is in excess in the body, other disorders are noticeable, including a violation of the immune system, a tendency to infectious diseases. The accumulation of a large amount of this element increases the risk of tumors.
Excess iron and its treatment
Of course, first you need to donate blood for biochemical analysis and undergo several additional studies that will help assess the severity of the patient's condition. Treatment depends largely on the causes of the increase in iron levels. For example, if excess metal is the result of taking certain drugs, then their use must be stopped.
In most cases, a proper diet helps to cope with the problem, which provides for the rejection of foods rich in iron and ascorbic acid. In the most severe cases, phlebotomy is used.