{"id":12774,"date":"2020-04-06T08:56:32","date_gmt":"2020-04-06T08:56:32","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/simplyhealth.io\/?p=12774"},"modified":"2021-07-02T15:23:31","modified_gmt":"2021-07-02T15:23:31","slug":"14-common-causes-of-high-iron-levels","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/simplyhealth.io\/14-common-causes-of-high-iron-levels\/","title":{"rendered":"14 Common Causes of High Iron Levels"},"content":{"rendered":"\n
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Having high levels of iron can be caused by a variety of ailments. In some cases, they are caused by iron overload disorders that make the body retain excessive amounts of iron. The human body is unable to excrete excessive amounts of iron like other minerals. As a result, the extra iron is stored in the organs. Most commonly the iron will be stored in the heart, pancreas, liver, and other organs. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

If left untreated, high levels of iron stored in the organs can cause serious damage, and even result in the development of diabetes. There are even extreme cases where a buildup of iron has caused the darkening of the skin. There are conditions that can cause high iron levels such as hereditary hemochromatosis. This particular condition is hereditary and results in the body storing more iron than usual from consumed drinks and food. Some other common causes are below.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

1. Chronic Hepatitis C<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

Patients who suffer from chronic hepatitis C<\/a> have been found to have high levels of iron in the bloodstream. These high levels also account for IFN treatment failures of the condition. T for patients who are infected with hepatitis C virus retaining high levels of iron is unknown, the long term effect of the finding is not understood. It is thought that due to the way that the hepatitis C virus affects the organs the result is a breakdown of their proper function. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

When organs are unable to function, it can cause a slowdown in the way the body uses or metabolizes its iron stores. The hepatitis C virus wreaks havoc by keeping iron levels high but also by how it affects the other organs. The hepatitis C virus has several effective treatments, however, when a person has high iron levels it makes those treatments less effective and totally ineffective in some patients.<\/p>\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n

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2. Adult-onset Still\u2019s Disease<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

Most inflammatory diseases have a negative effect on the cartilage<\/a>, joints, and bones of the body including Adult-onset Still’s disease. Along with the joints, Adult-onset Still’s disease also attacks other parts of the body including the internal organs. Most adults who suffer from Adult-onset Still’s disease will also notice that their body retains much more iron than it is able to process. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Adult-onset Still’s disease tends to present in a person before their 45th birthday, but there are some cases where it manifests even later in life. There is no exact cause of Adult-onset Still’s disease that has been identified, nor is there any way to prevent or cure the ailment. Many medical professionals have a belief that it is triggered by infections or viruses, but till now these theories are unproven. One of the key indicators of Adult-onset Still’s disease is an increased iron level that has no other cause.<\/p>\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n

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3. Hereditary Hemochromatosis<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

Many genetic conditions plague the human race, but one of the most common is classic hemochromatosis<\/a>. For most people, the condition does not cause any symptoms, and people can go through their whole life being unaware that they carry the genetic condition. The condition is mostly present in the Caucasian population, and the number affected stands about one in every 200 people. 15% percent of those affected will carry a mutation of the condition. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

That condition is caused by a mutation in the HFE gene which controls the amount of iron absorbed by the body. There are two types of HFE mutations, H63D, and C282Y. Those who suffer from the syndrome absorb more iron than the normal person. The mutations sometimes cause people to become carriers without developing the full syndrome while other times it will result in a full-blown condition. This syndrome is one of the major causes of iron overload.<\/p>\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n

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4. Taking Too Many Iron Supplements<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

Human error is another main cause of high levels of iron in the blood. Many supplements and multivitamins <\/a>contain iron. While some people may benefit from taking nutritional supplements, it is possible to take too much. Layering vitamins that contain iron can cause a buildup in the bloodstream which can lead to secondary complications. The body uses iron in various ways, however, it does not have the ability to filter our excess amounts of iron from the body. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

As a result, taking too many supplements paired with iron from your food can cause a build-up that remains unutilized. Unused iron is stored in the organs which can cause lethargy, pain, or other complications when left untreated. Too much iron in the blood can cause organ damage or worse. It is important to read the labels of each supplement to ensure that you are not doubling or tripling your iron intake.<\/p>\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n

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5. Secondary Hemochromatosis<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

Another cause for high levels of iron <\/a>in the blood may be the side effects of medical treatment or another medical condition. High amounts of iron triggered by a condition are called secondary hemochromatosis. The most common secondary hemochromatosis triggers are thalassemia, chronic hepatitis C infections, chronic liver disease, and alcohol-related liver diseases. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Patients who are on long-term kidney dialysis are also commonly found to be suffering from high levels of iron in the blood which eventually develops into secondary hemochromatosis. People who take iron injections are also at risk of developing secondary hemochromatosis if their body is unable to process the extra iron or if they double their iron intake while also receiving injections. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

It is also possible to develop secondary hemochromatosis while also being a carrier for genetic hemochromatosis, speak with your doctor for testing. Depending on the reason, secondary hemochromatosis may be reversed with proper monitoring and treatment.<\/p>\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n

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6. Restless Leg Syndrome<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

Restless leg syndrome<\/a> is most often linked to those who suffer from an iron deficiency. As a result, many people who have the syndrome will take iron supplements or injections to help manage the effects of the condition. In many cases, people who have regular levels of iron in the body will have low levels of iron in the brain which also is linked to restless leg syndrome. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

The reasons are unclear, but a large percentage of those suffering from restless leg syndrome were also found to have a buildup of iron in other parts of their body. The long term effects of this buildup are no clear at this time since the buildup doesn\u2019t seem to be system-wide, rather it is either local or brain-based. If you suffer from restless leg syndrome, it is important to speak with your doctor before starting on iron supplements or any supplements that contain iron.<\/p>\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n

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7. Leukemia<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

Leukemia <\/a>is an aggressive form of cancer that affects the blood and the bone marrow. This form of cancer often spreads through the whole body and creates havoc on its various systems. Patients who suffer from Leukemia may notice that they have a higher level of iron in their blood that builds up over time. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

The cells of Leukemia patients absorb more iron than usual while also decreasing the amount of iron they usually shed. This leads to an increase in cellular iron levels all over the body. Leukemia cells permeate every part of the body and are able to blend in because they are surrounded by normal red blood cells. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Chemotherapy is the usual course of treatment for Leukemia, which can damage healthy red blood cells and further drive up the levels of iron in the body. Coordinating with a medical professional in regards to treatment and diet is the best way to maintain a healthy level of iron in the blood while battling Leukemia.<\/p>\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n

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8. Juvenile Hemochromatosis<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

Juvenile hemochromatosis is similar to hereditary hemochromatosis in that it is a condition that is passed down from the parents. Juvenile hemochromatosis causes the buildup of iron in the blood <\/a>which usually starts around the age of 15. Juvenile hemochromatosis is caused by a defect on the HJV gene as there is no way to cure the condition. With hereditary hemochromatosis, there is a chance that a person may only be a carrier without suffering from the condition itself, but with Juvenile hemochromatosis, the inherited condition always results in the iron buildup. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Though most symptoms of the iron buildup caused by Juvenile hemochromatosis appear during the teenage years, they can begin as late as 30 years old. Common complications from high iron levels due to Juvenile hemochromatosis are diabetes and also issues with sexual development. While there is no cure, there are treatments to manage the condition, which is fatal if left untreated.<\/p>\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n

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9. Blood Transfusions<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

Blood transfusions are often used to save a life or to treat a long term illness. While most transfusions bring health and vigor to the person receiving them, they also bring with them health doses of iron. Each time a person gets a blood transfusion, more iron is inserted into the bloodstream<\/a>. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

While other nutrients and additives in the blood are filtered, used, or removed by the body if there is excess, the same is not true for iron. There is no way for the body to filter or remove excess amounts of iron from the blood. When there is too much iron, it is stored in the organs such as the heart, pancreas, skin, and joints. A periodic elevation of iron levels is not harmful and will eventually resolve as the body uses the mineral. However, if iron levels remain elevated, the iron stored in your organs can actually damage them.<\/p>\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n

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10. Rheumatoid Arthritis<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

Rheumatoid arthritis<\/a> is one of the most common chronic inflammatory diseases to affect the population. This disease results in chronic pain, stiffening of the joints and other symptoms. Of the side effects of Rheumatoid arthritis is a higher level of iron in the blood. Due to the chronic inflammation that is caused by Rheumatoid arthritis, the proinflammatory cytokines that help to control iron metabolism in the body are negatively affected. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

The most affected is the ability to properly control the production of ferritin, hepcidin, and transferrin. The plasma iron levels are also greatly affected which can cause very low iron levels and very high iron levels. Both extremes are considered blood disorders which must be managed with specialized medications. If left untreated, high iron levels caused by Rheumatoid arthritis will cause the organs in the body to become damaged due to the build-up and storage of excessive iron.<\/p>\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n

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11. Neonatal Hemochromatosis<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

Hemochromatosis is a condition that causes more iron to accumulate in the blood than usual. There are several types of hemochromatosis, most of which are passed on through genetics<\/a>. One form of hemochromatosis is secondary, which is not genetic but rather caused by an illness or a treatment for an unrelated illness. One form of hemochromatosis that is not often spoken about is neonatal hemochromatosis. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

This form of the condition is also not genetic but rather thought that it is caused by the mother’s immune system. With neonatal hemochromatosis, a high level of iron is produced in the infant, so much so that it all accumulates in the liver. Unfortunately, the concentration of iron is so high, that the infant emerges from the womb without life, or it survives only for a very short time following its birth. There is currently no way to prevent or treat neonatal hemochromatosis.<\/p>\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n

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12. Hyperthyroidism<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

Thyroid problems can cause a whole host of health problems. Many who suffer from thyroid conditions will experience fatigue which is caused by an iron deficiency or anemia. Typically those who suffer from hypothyroidism will be plagued with low levels of iron among other complications. On the other hand, an overactive thyroid or hyperthyroidism <\/a>can cause just the opposite. Many people who have hyperthyroidism also have a higher level of iron in their blood. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

When treated, there are no ill effects from the increased level of iron but left untreated it can be fatal. A medical professional will need to test the thyroid function to determine if there is overactivity or under activity. Usually, they will also test the level of iron in the blood to understand if there is a build-up or if there is an iron deficiency. Along with thyroid management medication, iron management medication will be prescribed.<\/p>\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n

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13. Type 2 Diabetes<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

Diabetes <\/a> affects more than 30 million people in the US alone, with another 8 million living undiagnosed with their condition. Diabetes brings with it a host of other health complications such as gingivitis, heart disease, and even complications with the iron levels. Those who suffer from hereditary hemochromatosis tend to suffer lower levels of iron in their blood, but higher levels of iron are noted in sufferers of type 2 diabetes. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Hemochromatosis causes the body to absorb more than its usual share of iron from food which can also affect the efficiency of organ function. People who suffer from type 2 diabetes already have complications with organ function which can further trigger the development of secondary hemochromatosis. The danger of having type 2 diabetes and secondary hemochromatosis is that high levels of iron will negatively affect how the body uses insulin. This can cause type 2 diabetes to go out of control or make it harder to manage.<\/p>\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n

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14. Hodgkin\u2019s Lymphoma<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

Hodgkin lymphoma is a form of blood cancer that originates in the body’s lymphocytes. These lymphocytes are a special white blood cell that usually lives in the lymphatic system<\/a>. Many symptoms come with Hodgkin lymphoma such as weight loss, fever, increase iron levels, night sweats, and fever among others. The lymph nodes on the body such as those in the groin, under the arm, and on the neck typically become enlarges. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Part of the treatment for Hodgkin lymphoma are regular blood transfusions, which bring with it large amounts of iron. Due to the bodies weakened state and the influx of extra iron, the overall levels tend to elevate. The body is not able to excrete excess iron, so instead, it collects in the organs. If left untreated high levels of iron can be fatal. Usually, those who are suffering from Hodgkin lymphoma will take an iron chelator to reduce iron in the blood.
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