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Far too many people are ingesting various types of supplements in the hopes that it can only help. In some cases, this can lead to harm. Ferrous gluconate or Ferrous sulphate, otherwise known as Iron pills, are one type of supplement that could lead to trouble, if used indiscriminately. A well-balanced diet does not require extra iron. In a good diet, about 10 to 20 mg of iron will be presented to the gut daily. But only 10 percent of this is absorbed into the body. The average healthy adult loses 1 to 2 mg of iron daily. Some conditions such as menstruation, pregnancy, growth and hemorrhages can result in far greater losses.
Most iron absorption occurs in the duodenum. Iron is transported around the body by a protein called transferrin. Our body uses iron to build oxygen-transporting proteins found in red blood cells. It also plays a vital function in muscles and enzymes. Our body has a wonderful mechanism for recycling and conserving iron.
Hereditary hemochromatosis (HH) is a fairly common genetic disorder found in many Europeans. It is an autosomal recessive disorder that eventually leads to the accumulation of large amounts of iron. Excess iron tends to be deposited in various body structures and organs. The genetic location of this abnormality is known and can be tested for. Historically, this trait emerged in Northern Europe amongst people having iron deficient diets. In that environment, greater absorption of iron is favored. People who possess both copies of this recessive gene tend to absorb much more iron than necessary when presented with a typical North American diet. This group of individuals should not be taking iron supplements at all. The disorder can have many vague symptoms and tends to be diagnosed later in life. Women show signs later, because they lose iron more readily through menstruation, which offsets the tendency to accumulate. The symptoms can include fatigue, abdominal pain, joint pain, depression, weight-loss and impotence. Ordering special blood tests can make the final diagnosis. Sometimes a liver biopsy is also necessary. Accumulation of iron in the liver, heart and kidney can lead to a fatal state. At other times, liver failure occurs and transplantation becomes necessary. The best treatment of hereditary hemochromatosis consists of regular blood removal called phlebotomy. Persons afflicted with this disorder should also avoid foods rich in iron such as organ meats. Heavy alcohol consumption in this group can also lead to cirrhosis.
On the other hand, many women tend to be iron deficient and even develop anemia. In this group, aggressive iron supplementation is recommended. Most iron pills contain between 120 to 300 mg of iron. At the end of the day, the decision to use iron pills should be made on the basis of sound clinical judgment and not as a substitute for poor diet.
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