Dangers of too much iron.

[toph]

Some studies have suggested that excessive iron intake can increase the risk of coronary heart disease and cancer. More recently, scientists have begun investigating the possible role of excess iron in the development and progression of diseases such as multiple sclerosis and arthritis.

Does anybody agree with this? When I was 1.5 yrs old I had iron deficiency anemia and was given iron supplements at 30 I developed MS... coincidence or cause.... Please respond.

[deniseinmilden]

Interesting - thank you!

I can't answer your question but am careful with my iron supplements.

I know what you mean - has a body that develops serious problems later on got an inherent issue all along or do some "cures" cause other problems? Either way if you need to treat a deficiency to live then you have to do that coz otherwise you won't live long enough to develop the other problems!

[Hidden]

I have certainly come across studies that suggest excessive iron intake is a health risk, unless there is a known deficiency. Iron acts as a catalyst for Vitamin C and B2 et al, but in excess it can cause oxidative damage. From memory, what I recall is that post-menopausal women and men have no natural means to excrete iron as it does not leave the body in urine, saliva or stools so supplementation should be avoided.

Studies on the hereditary disease hemochromatosis, shows excess build up of iron in the tissues causes damage to key organs such as liver, heart, joints, endocrine glands, kidneys and brain.

I have no personal experience of iron deficiency or MS so I am not able to comment but I do avoid foods and supplements with added iron as I take sufficient iron in my diet.

Its an interesting subject