nutritional disorders
Iron Toxicity
Introduction
Iron (Fe) is a component of hemoglobin, myoglobin, and many enzymes in the body. Heme iron is contained mainly in animal products. It is absorbed much better than nonheme iron (eg, in plants and grains). Non heme iron accounts for>85% of iron in the average diet. However, absorption of nonheme iron is increased when it is consumed with animal protein and vitamin C. (See also Overview of Minerals .) Iron may accumulate in the body because of Iron therapy given in excessive amounts or for too long Repeated blood transfusions Alcohol-related liver disease Overdose of iron Overview of Iron Overload can also result from an inherited iron overload disease ( An Iron Poisoning is toxic, causing vomiting, diarrhea, and damage to the intestine and other organs. Diagnosisof iron toxicity is based on clinical evaluation and sometimes (eg, in chronic toxicity) requires confirmation with serum iron and ferritin concentration. Treatmentof iron toxicity often involvesdeferoxamine, which binds with iron and is excreted in urine. Hemochromatosis is treated with phlebotomy. 