Iron loading in humans: A risk factor for enhanced morbidity and mortality

Abstract

Purpose. To develop an overview of the kinds of disease that can be exacerbated by excessive/misplaced iron; to briefly consider mortality data on iron‐loaded persons; and to summarize methods for the prevention and therapy of iron loading.Design. Literature review.Materials and methods. A survey of clinical and research medical journals of the past decade was carried out. The diseases were categorized by medical specialty and by currently proposed types of iron association.Results. A remarkably diverse assemblage of diseases have been reported to be associated with and/or exacerbated by excessive or misplaced iron in specific tissue sites. Reduced longevity was associated with iron loading in two studies, but not in a third. Behavioral factors, as well as genetic modifiers, have been described that can result in an increase in inhaled, ingested and injected iron.Conclusions. Our present knowledge strongly indicates that methods for the reduction of iron loading could contribute considerably to the improv...