High iron levels in your blood can be caused by several factors, including excessive dietary iron intake, certain medical conditions like hemochromatosis (a genetic disorder that causes iron overload), or liver diseases. It may also result from repeated blood transfusions or excessive supplementation of iron. It's important to consult a healthcare professional for proper diagnosis and management if you have elevated iron levels.
One of the most common causes for high iron in the blood is a genetic condition called Hemachromatosis. Taking too many iron supplements can also be a common cause of high blood levels.
Iron is an essential trace element; it is necessary for the formation of red blood cells and certain enzymes. At the other extreme, high levels of iron can be poisonous.
High blood iron levels are commonly associated with hemochromatosis, a genetic disorder that leads to excessive absorption of iron from the diet. This condition can result in iron overload, potentially damaging organs such as the liver, heart, and pancreas. Other disorders linked to elevated iron levels include hemosiderosis and certain types of anemia, such as sideroblastic anemia. Regular monitoring and management are crucial to prevent complications from iron overload.
Iron binding capacity refers to the ability of a substance, usually transferrin in the blood, to bind and transport iron. It is a measure of the total amount of iron that can be bound to transferrin. High levels of iron binding capacity may indicate iron deficiency, while low levels may suggest iron overload.
Iron levels in the body are measured by both hemoglobin and serum ferritin blood tests.
If your iron levels are too low, then eat foods that contain iron and take iron supplements. If you cannot correct low iron by diet alone, you should see a doctor. You certainly want to see a doctor if your low iron levels are accompanied by dark urine or black and tarry fecal matter. Those symptoms could indicate internal bleeding which could be caused by ulcers, internal injuries, or cancer, among other serious things. If your iron levels are too high, then stop any iron supplements and remove some foods with high levels of iron from your diet. If you have a disease like hemochromatosis that causes you to have excessive iron levels, then chelating drugs, frequent blood donations, or phlebotomy (bloodletting) may be required. Your doctor should tell you what to do in that case. Women of childbearing age rarely have excessive iron levels unless they overdose on supplements, since menstruation removes blood from their systems.
Iron
High blood pressure due to high sodium levels, and high mercury levels in the blood.
High iron in the blood is most commonly caused by hemochromatosis, a common genetic disorder.
Blood tastes metallic likely due to the high levels of iron in it. So blood tastes like car keys, rather than car keys tasting like blood. :)
Some vegetables with high iron content that can help improve iron levels in the body include spinach, kale, broccoli, and Brussels sprouts.
Iron is vital because is used in the production of haemoglobin (blood). Low iron levels equals low bloor levels. Iron is usually suggested for women because they lose blood during their period.