We all know iron as a common metal, but did you know that it is also the most abundant trace mineral in the human body and essential for life? While iron is best known for its role in hemoglobin and oxygen transport, it is also required for energy production, muscle function, immune defense, brain health, DNA synthesis, and hundreds of enzyme reactions. Because iron participates in so many vital processes, maintaining the right balance is essential for overall health.
Clinically, there are two distinct conditions caused by iron imbalance, iron deficiency and iron overload. Too little iron, or iron deficiency, can lead to anemia and symptoms including:
- Fatigue
- Brain fog
- Heart palpitations
- Insomnia
- Depression and/or anxiety
- Restless leg syndrome
- Hair loss
- High blood pressure, which is not an officially acknowledged symptom of iron deficiency, but has been observed in my practice.
These symptoms can occur in the absence of anemia, which is defined by low hemoglobin. Hence they are often thought of as unrelated symptoms and are attributed to other causes, such as hypothyroidism and essential hypertension. Iron test is NOT routinely included in standard wellness lab tests, and therefore often overlooked.
Too much iron, or iron overload, is less common. It can be caused by a genetic condition called hemochromatosis, or overdosing on iron supplement without monitoring blood level of iron. Iron overload may not cause any symptoms in many patients. However long term iron overload can cause damages to the liver, heart, pancreas, joints, and reproductive organs, as the excessive iron can deposit in these organs. Early symptoms and signs include:
- Fatigue
- Joint pain
- Impotence in men and irregular menstrual periods in women
- Elevated liver enzymes on blood work
In my practice, I have also observed other symptoms in patients with iron overload.
If you have symptoms that are not explained by routine labs and you have not had your iron level checked, maybe it is time to do an iron study.
Call us at 480-388-0099 to schedule an appointment with Dr. Song. Or schedule online at your convenience.