Is too much iron bad for you?

Answer 1

Iron poisoning, caused by acute ingestion of large quantities of iron-containing supplements, causes nausea, vomiting, damage to the lining of the intestinal tract, shock, and liver failure, and is a leading cause of death among children.

Chronic iron overload, or excessive iron storage, can cause a variety of symptoms including loss of appetite, fatigue, weight loss, headaches, bronze or gray hue to the skin, dizziness, nausea, and shortness of breath. It is generally believed that chronic iron toxicity occurs only in people who require regular blood transfusions, take iron supplements, or in those with a genetic iron storage disorder called hemachromatosis. With hemochromatosis, iron is deposited in tissues throughout the body, most notably the liver, pancreas, and heart, potentially causing cirrhosis, Diabetes, or cardiac insufficiency.

Although iron overload is not likely to develop from food sources alone, men, because they do not experience iron losses, may be at greater risk for the problems associated with excessive iron. In recent years, excess iron intake and storage, especially in men, has been implicated as a cause of Heart disease and cancer. In addition, iron has been found in increased levels in the joints of people with rheumatoid arthritis.

Answer 2

A: The amount of iron required in the diet to replace losses is approximately 1.0 to 1.4 mg of environmental iron per day. In the United States, the average iron intake in an adult male is 15 mg/d and 11 mg/d for females.

Answer 3

less than one fifth of a gram...many multi-Vitamins have 18 micrograms of iron.

Since the discontinuance of cast iron skillet cooking, many people are iron-deficient...

more than half our necessary iron supply came from trace amounts from cast iron cookery

Answer 4

Normal Results

• Iron: 60-170 mcg/dL
• TIBC: 240-450 mcg/dL
• Transferrin saturation: 20-50%

Note: mcg/dl = micrograms per deciliter

Note: Normal value ranges may vary slightly among different laboratories. Talk to your doctor about the meaning of your specific test results.

The examples above show the common measurements for results for these tests. Some laboratories use different measurements or may test different specimens.

Answer 5

This depends on your Sex, generally Females should take more then Males.