Iron is the most abundant element on earth and is an essential trace mineral for humans. The human body contains about 3.5 to 4.5 g of iron. Two thirds of this is present in blood and the rest is stored in the liver, spleen, bone marrow and muscles. Here's your chance to ask Joanne Larsen, a Registered Dietitian with 24 years of hospital and clinical experience in nutritional counseling, your questions relating to Iron. Read other consumers' Iron- related questions.
Many studies now show that excessive accumulation of iron is harmful to the arteries and heart.
Regular loss of blood keeps iron stores low in women, and this, according to the iron hypothesis, accounts for their very low rate of CHD before menopause. So, while iron deficiency is still a health concern, particularly for menstruating women, consumers need to appreciate the role excess iron plays in CHD and a variety of other ailments as well. You may be anemic. Iron-deficiency anemia is the most common form of anemia. The primary cause is blood lost during menstruation.