Iron Overload
Iron overload, also known as hemochromatosis, is a condition where the body stores excessive amounts of iron. This excess iron is usually caused by an inherited condition called hemochromatosis. The body absorbs extra iron from the food you eat and stores it in your organs, especially your heart, liver, and pancreas. Too much iron can be toxic and can lead to serious medical conditions such as heart failure, diabetes, cirrhosis of the liver, and others.
Impact of Gene Variants
Hemochromatosis is often genetic and is caused by mutations in genes that increase the absorption of iron from the diet. The gene responsible for hereditary hemochromatosis, HFE, resides on chromosome 6. The alteration in HFE protein that produces hereditary hemochromatosis involves the mutation of a cysteine to a leucine at position 282 (C282Y)3. People with two copies of the mutant protein can develop iron overload.
Ways to Recognize Problems
Symptoms of iron overload can include fatigue, joint pain, and abdominal pain. However, in 75% of cases, a person with hemochromatosis will have no symptoms. Once iron has built up in various organs, more prominent symptoms may begin to appear. These can include joint pain, abdominal pain, loss of sex drive, gray or bronze skin color. Untreated, the accumulation of iron can lead to heart failure, infertility, diabetes, cirrhosis of the liver, arthritis, hypothyroidism, impaired growth, erectile dysfunction, cancer, and depression.
Ways to Improve
While there is no cure for hemochromatosis, it can be managed effectively by removing blood to reduce the iron level. Adjusting your diet can also help get rid of excess iron in the body naturally. Limiting red meat, processed meat, offal (organ meat), and blood-containing foods, and choosing plant-based proteins (legumes, pulses, and soy) and eggs can be beneficial.
Did you know
Hemochromatosis is a common hereditary disorder that occurs in 1 out of 300 non-Hispanic whites and 1 out of 150 people with northwestern European ancestry.
