Dr. Irina Shcherbakova, a gastroenterologist, warned against taking excessive high doses of iron supplements, noting that iron accumulation in the body can negatively affect liver and heart function.
The accumulation of excess iron in the body as a result of taking high doses of medications or supplements can lead to problems with the liver, heart, joints, pancreas and hormonal system."
She explained that the body lacks an effective mechanism for eliminating excess iron, so high and continuous doses can have serious consequences for internal organs. Accumulated iron can damage liver cells, leading to fibrosis and cirrhosis, and it can weaken the heart muscle, causing cardiomyopathy and heart rhythm disorders. Furthermore, it can affect joint cartilage, causingsevere pain.
She added that iron buildup can also affect the pituitary gland and pancreas, which may be linked to disorders such as early menopause, impotence, and severe diabetes.
She said: "Iron supplements are potent medications, not just vitamin supplements to boost energy. Therefore, they should not be taken simply because of fatigue or paleness, as these symptoms may result from many other causes, ranging from vitamin D deficiency to thyroid disorders. For this reason, a comprehensive blood test should be performed, determining the ferritin level, which reflects the body's iron stores, in addition to the iron transferrin saturation level."
The doctor recommended that, if an iron deficiency is confirmed, the tests should be repeated periodically every few months to adjust the dose or stop treatment when necessary.
In cases of iron overload, she indicated that one of the basic treatment methods is therapeutic phlebotomy (blood withdrawal), as it prompts the body to use stored iron to produce new red blood cells, which helps to reduce its excess levels.
