Everyone needs a sufficient amount of iron in order to maintain good health, as the red blood cells require it to carry oxygen to the cells around the body. It’s also needed in the production of ATP or adenosine triphosphate, the body’s energy source. Excess iron is stored in the bone marrow, liver, spleen and muscles. However, it’s been found that excess consumption of iron supplements could lead to an increase in the amount of iron stored in the body. Everyone will react differently to this, but there are various side effects which are particularly common in women.
For example, research has shown that too much iron in the body can increase risk of developing cirrhosis or liver cancer. This is because the liver is one such organ where iron is stored. Too much of this nutrient can put pressure on the liver, which can cause irreversible scarring and can be very painful – this can increase the chances of liver cancer developing. This disease can also occur in women who have a disease known as hematochromatosis, which is caused by iron in foods when consumed in large amounts. Excess quantities of iron can also lead to heart failure or arrhythmia, which is caused by the iron interfering with the electrical conductivity of a person. The heart pumps blood around the entire body, and when iron affects this it can lead to heart failure. Swelling of the legs and problems with your breathing are symptoms of heart failure, which you should be observant of.
Some women notice changes to their skin which may be caused by too much iron. When the iron moves from the bloodstream to the tissues in the body, it gets stored in the skin cells. This can affect the quality or tone, making it become grey or bronze in colour. Studies suggest that 90 percent of women who had high levels of iron in their bodies noticed a change in the colour of their skin. The hyper pigmentation can also lead to women being more sensitive to the damaging ultraviolet rays.
Those with the previously mentioned condition hemochromatosis could also suffer with problems with the pancreas. 75 percent of people with this problem go on to develop diabetes – in fact, anyone with a family history of these two problems will be more prone to developing them. This is because too much iron in the pancreas affects the insulin production, which increases the amount of blood sugar levels in the body. Excess iron can build up in the joints to lead to damaged tissues, making women the victims of chronic arthritis. This is because the tissue damage renders the bone exposed, leading to immense pain as the bones rub together. And because the large quantities of iron in the blood stops the body repairing the tissues, this condition never repairs itself. It simply increases the inflammation and heightens the amount of pain the individual suffers. Women, more so than men, should be wary of too much iron in the body, as this can lead to damage in the ovaries. Studies suggest that this can manifest itself in the form of irregular menstrual cycles and the loss of ovulation. And in adolescent females, it can also delay puberty. If you’re worried about the amount of iron in your body, you should seek the advice of your GP. They will be able to arrange a simple blood test to ascertain the levels in the body, and adjust them with your diet or medication if necessary.