Iron

Iron is one of the few nutrients that is a two edged sword; it can be life threatening to have either too little or too much of it. Most people are aware of the primary result of too little iron – Geritol commercials took care of that. However, there is a paucity of literature concerning the dangers of iron excess. A little known fact is that iron toxicity is a major cause of poisoning in children (from overdosing on vitamin tablets containing iron). In addition, excess iron is a predisposing factor for a variety of degenerative diseases, including cancer, arthritis, heart disease, Alzheimer’s disease, and liver disease. the excess iron accumulates within certain organs, causing cellular damage and even cell death. If cell death is extensive, organ failure can occur, which may result in fatality. Organs wherein iron readily accumulates include the bone marrow, spleen, liver, kidneys, lungs, brain, and heart.

In extreme cases of iron overload, the excess iron is deposited in every organ, in fact, in every cell of the body. This condition is know as hemochromatosis. A similar condition, hemosiderosis, is less severe but may proceed to hemochromatosis the latter being usually fatal. If caught in the early stages, patients with hemosiderosis can be cured by a combination of several therapies. Most important is eliminating all sources of dietary and supplemental iron. Additionally, physicians often prescribe phlebotomy, or bloodletting, as a means of lowering iron stores. Iron chelating agents, that is compounds which bind and remove iron from the tissues, may also be prescribed.

Due to the dangers of iron overload, vitamins containing iron should be avoided, except by those who are diagnosed with iron deficiency. Pregnant, breast feeding, and menstruating women may also need additional iron. Men should never take supplemental iron unless under a physician’s care for iron deficiency diseases. Iron free multiple vitamin and mineral tablets are now available at many health food stores.

Iron is one of the largest minerals, molecularly. thus, it may be difficult to absorb. The addition of acidic substances to the diet, such as tomato sauce, lemon juice, vinegar and citric acid, greatly enhances absorption. Additionally, sources of iron include organ meats, red meats, blackstrap molasses, almonds, cocoa powder, pistachios and dark green leafy vegetables.

Which of these apply to you?

1. chronic fatigue

2. lack of appetite

3. spoon shaped (scooped) nails

4. confusion

5. memory loss

6. lightheadedness or dizziness

7. rapid heartbeat after minimal exercise

8. inflamed and/or sore tongue

9. irritability

10. chronic headaches

11. fragile bones

12. difficulty swallowing

13. brittle hair and/or nails

14. depression

15. constipation

16. paleness of the skin, especially facial skin

17. sensitivity to cold

18. shortness of breath

19. tingling of the fingers or toes

20. sores on the inside of or around the mouth

21. vertical ridges on the fingernails

22. hair loss, especially in females

23. cravings for cold water and/or ice (chewing of ice)

24. Do you take antacids on a regular basis?

25. Do you drink three or more cups of black or green tea on a daily basis?

26. Do you have rheumatoid arthritis?

27. Are you anemic?

28. Have you suffered from heavy menstrual flow for a prolonged time span?

29. Do you take aspirin and/or non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (i.e., Naprosyn, Indocin, Clinoril, etc.) on a daily basis?

Your Score _____

1 to 6 points Marginal or no iron deficiency: Many of the symptoms of iron deficiency are vague and, therefore may be mimicked by other conditions. Always remember that iron deficiency is best confirmed by blood tests.

7 to 12 points Mild iron deficiency: Never take supplemental iron on the basis of a symptom quiz only. If you are concerned about being iron deficient, see your doctor and attempt confirmation through blood testing. Such tests should include a serum iron level, iron-binding protein, and a serum ferritin level. Ferritin is a storage form of iron and is an excellent indicator of the total body burden of this nutrient.

13 to 19 points Moderate iron deficiency: Blood testing to determine the extent of the deficiency is indicated. Take a multiple vitamin-mineral tablet containing iron (18 mg per day) and increase the consumption of iron rich foods.

20 and above Severe iron deficiency: At this level of deficiency a measurable decline in red blood cell count as well as hemoglobin is likely. Again, blood testing is indicated. If anemia is confirmed ( a hemoglobin of less than 13.0 in women and 14.0 in men), take 20 mg of iron as ferrous fumarate twice daily. Be sure to take 500 mg of vitamin C with the iron, since it greatly potentiates iron absorption. Additionally, take a multiple vitamin-mineral tablet, 4 mg of copper, and extra B-complex. Organic liver particularly calves’ liver, is an excellent source of natural iron.