Iron overload disease is discussed in Ch. Iron deficiency, which can cause anemia, is the most common nutritional deficiency in the world. It may result from inadequate iron intake in some infants, adolescent girls, and pregnant women. Blood loss may produce an iron deficiency in any person. All persons with iron deficiency require iron supplementation.
Excess iron is toxic, causing vomiting, diarrhea, and damage to the intestine.
Iron may accumulate in the body when a person is given iron therapy in excessive amounts or for too long, receives repeated blood transfusions, or has chronic alcoholism. All rights reserved.