Iron Overload

Excerpt

Iron is an essential element and plays a critical role in various metabolic processes in the body, including oxygen transport, energy production, and immune response. In certain disease states, an excess of iron can accumulate in the body. This state is termed iron overload. Iron overload most commonly occurs due to genetic mutation and is called hemochromatosis. The body's iron stores can also exceed normal limits due to secondary causes such as transfusion, hemolysis, and elevated dietary iron consumption.

Excess iron is deposited in organs throughout the body and can cause organ damage due to the formation of reactive oxygen species. The liver, heart, and endocrine glands are the most notable organs with iron deposition. The resulting symptoms and disease are related to the specific organ damage. Understanding and management of iron overload is a vital aspect of clinical practice.