Internally Peer Reviewed Iron is essential for life, but too much can kill you.
Iron overload occurs in hemochromatosis, also known as bronze diabetes.
The normal body iron content is 3 to 4 grams. In advanced hemachromatosis, the body can contain 20 grams or more. Iron in the liver and pancreas measures 75 times and in the heart 15 times over normal. Iron can also accumulate in the endocrine gland system and can result in decreased function of the ovary or testis. This is done on serum as anticlotting compounds bind serum iron.