What is iron overload?
Iron overload is a condition in which the body absorbs and accumulates too much iron. Humans extract needed iron, via the intestine, from the diet. When there are adequate iron stores, intestinal absorption of iron is reduced to avoid excessive accumulation of iron. When the regulation of intestinal iron absorption is altered, the body can absorb too much iron leading to iron overload. Multiple conditions can cause iron overload including transfusion-related and dietary iron overload. The most common form of iron overload in the United States is an inherited condition called hereditary hemochromatosis.
