Question and Answer

“Excess iron accumulation in the body, resulting from high doses of medications or supplements, can lead to problems in the liver, heart, joints, pancreas, and endocrine system. The body lacks an effective mechanism to eliminate excess iron, so sustained high doses can have serious consequences for internal organs. Accumulated iron can cause liver cell damage, leading to fibrosis and cirrhosis. It may also weaken the heart muscle, causing cardiomyopathy and arrhythmias, in addition to affecting joint cartilage and causing severe pain. Doctors also consider that iron accumulation may affect the pituitary gland and pancreas, which can be linked to hormonal disorders and severe diabetes. Iron-containing dietary supplements are potent medications, not merely vitamin supplements to boost energy. Therefore, they should not be taken simply due to feelings of fatigue or pallor, as these symptoms may stem from various other causes, ranging from vitamin D deficiency to thyroid disorders. A comprehensive blood test should be conducted, including measurement of ferritin levels, which reflect the body’s iron stores, as well as transferrin saturation.

Doctors recommend that, in cases of confirmed iron deficiency, tests be repeated periodically every few months to adjust the dosage or discontinue treatment as needed. In cases of iron overload, one of the primary treatment methods is therapeutic phlebotomy (blood removal), which prompts the body to use stored iron to produce new red blood cells, thereby helping to reduce excess levels. Source: Novosti”