Clinical
Picture of Chronic Iron Excess
Reason or
Clinical Picture
High
from meat, fortified foods, supplements, blood transfusion
Increased by
vitamin C, fruit and alcohol
Reduced in
women after the menopause
Reduced in
men and on ceasing blood donation
Increased
absorption due to haemochromatosis and
increased liver content in some liver diseases
Increase
in serum (raised ferritin or iron saturation) liver and tissue levels
Fatigue,
arthritis, loss of libido
Type 2
diabetes and bronzed skin discolouration
Liver
failure and heart muscle damage