Iron is a key trace mineral for performing several bodily functions, from transporting oxygen to energy production. However, an excess amount of iron in the blood (iron overload) can up the risk of health problems.  An elevated amount of essential nutrients can be harmful to health. Yes, high iron levels in the body can be a warning sign of a serious underlying health condition.
High iron levels

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Read this article to understand the relationship between high iron levels and cancer risk, and simple ways to control iron overload.

What Does a High Iron Level Mean?

High iron levels usually indicate elevated serum ferritin, transferrin saturation or total iron binding capacity (TIBC). According to the National Library of Medicine, ferritin levels higher than 150-200 ng/ml in women and above 300 ng/ml in men are considered high iron levels. While a slight increase may be harmless or temporary, consistently high levels should not be ignored. Moreover, high iron levels are toxic, and their absorption from the intestine is strictly controlled, which reduces the harmful impacts of excess iron.

What Are the Causes of High Iron Levels?

Numerous medical conditions can lead to abnormally high iron levels, including:

Hemochromatosis

Hemochromatosis is the most common cause of high iron loads, a genetic condition that causes the body to absorb excess iron from the food. In the long run, excess iron accumulates in the vital organs such as the liver, heart and pancreas, possibly leading to fatal complications.

Liver Disease

Cirrhosis, hepatitis or fatty liver disease can impede normal iron metabolism, which results in excess iron buildup in the system.

Regular Blood Transfusions

Individuals receiving repeated blood transfusions, like those with thalassemia or sickle cell anaemia, may build up excess iron.

Supplements Overload

Excess intake of iron supplements, especially without proper medical supervision, can lead to toxicity.

Certain Types of Cancer

A few types of cancer, like leukaemia or liver cancer, may influence iron levels owing to inflammation or alteration in iron metabolism.

Also Read: Iron: Functions, Food Sources, Supplements, Deficiency and Toxicity

Symptoms of High Iron Levels

  • Extreme fatigue or tiredness
  • Generalised weakness
  • Joint pain
  • Abdominal discomfort
  • Skin colour changes
  • Low sex drive
  • Feeling of discomfort, uneasiness

Symptoms associated with organ changes:

Enlarged liver, liver damage, cirrhosis, or jaundice

Heart failure, irregular heartbeat, or breathing difficulty

Excessive thirst, exhaustion, faintness, skin infections, blurry vision, or weight changes are associated with pancreatic damage.

Irregular periods, loss of sex drive, or early menopause are observed in women

In men, loss of sex drive, enlarged breast tissue, shrinking of testicles, or erectile dysfunction.

If you observe any signs and symptoms, seek immediate medical help to prevent further complications. If left untreated, the impacts of iron overload can lead to cardiac problems, diabetes, organ damage and even death.

What Are The Types Of Cancers Associated With High Iron Levels?

Some of the potential cancers linked to high iron levels include:

Liver Cancer

As per the National Cancer Institute, it was observed that people with hemochromatosis are at higher risk of developing liver cancer. As excess iron content in the liver can result in cirrhosis, which is a warning signal of liver cancer.

Colon Cancer

Excess iron load may promote of growth of colon tumour cells due to inflammation in the colon. However, research is limited to completely understanding this connection.

Breast Cancer

Researchers reveal that high iron levels may support the growth of tumorous cells in the breast by impeding the metabolism of estrogen hormone and other cellular functions. However, detailed studies are needed to conclude this.

Leukaemia

Excessive levels of iron in the blood may result in abnormal cell growth, damage to DNA and alteration in the bone marrow microenvironment. This could lead to the development of leukaemia.

When to See Medical Help?

You should seek immediate medical assistance if you experience:

  • High blood iron levels are observed regularly
  • Unexplained fatigue or exhaustion
  • Joint pain or abdominal discomfort
  • Skin colour changes to bronze or grey
  • Irregular heartbeat
  • Chest pain
  • Hereditary hemochromatosis

Also Read: Iron Test: What Is It And What To Expect?

How to Manage High Iron Levels?

Following these simple and effective tips may help you lower your iron levels:

  • Restrict intake of iron-rich foods like red meat, chicken, iron-fortified cereals, spinach, and leafy greens
  • Avoid self-supplementation to prevent the system from excessive intake of iron than needed.
  • Try adding calcium-loaded foods to decrease the absorption of excess iron in the blood.
  • Drink tea and coffee more frequently, as these hot drinks are rich in tannins, which can reduce the absorption of iron
  • Manage intake of vitamin C, though it is essential for health, overconsumption can lead to increased iron absorption
  • Regularly donate blood, as blood donation lowers the excessive iron load in the blood
  • Take charge of your other health problems, like liver disease or other medical conditions that may result in high iron levels
  • Evaluate iron tests like serum iron, ferritin, and total iron-binding capacity regularly to know whether iron levels are high or low

(This Article Is Reviewed By Kalyani Krishna, Chief Content Editor)

Author Profile:

M Sowmya Binu:

With over 15 years of expertise and a Postgraduate degree in Nutrition, M Sowmya Binu is a seasoned professional in the field of nutrition. Specializing in tailoring personalized diet plans, she underscores the significance of a balanced approach to health, emphasizing the integration of medication with dietary intake for holistic wellness. Passionate about equipping individuals with knowledge to make informed decisions, Sowmya adeptly develops insightful content encompassing a wide array of topics, including food, nutrition, supplements, and overall health.

References:

Iron and Cancer

Suzy V Torti 1, David H Manz 1,2, Bibbin T Paul 1, Nicole Blanchette-Farra 1, Frank M Torti 3

https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC8118195/

Iron and cancer: overview of the evidence from population-based studies

Rola S Zeidan 1,2, Hyung-Suk Yoon 3,4, Jae Jeong Yang 3,4, Amin Sobh 4, Dejana Braithwaite 3,5, Robert Mankowski 1, Christian Leeuwenburgh 1, Stephen Anton

https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC11377248/