Anemia, Iron Deficiency & Iron Overload

Have you been told you’re anemic and automatically think you need more iron? Anemia or low iron does not always indicate you’re deficient in iron. AND, what about high iron?

Iron is necessary to carry oxygen from the lungs throughout the body and for other cellular functions. Iron is stored in your muscles, the liver, spleen and bone marrow. Without it, your cells would become starved for oxygen, your brain and muscles wouldn’t function, and your immune system would be impaired, among other problems. But that doesn’t mean most people need to take an iron supplement. In fact, too much iron can be dangerous.

The most important factor is to determine the root cause why your iron levels are too high or too low in the first place. A few years ago, my iron levels were off the chart! Guess what the cause was? Lead toxicity.

I owe credit for the majority of the information in this article to one of my mentors, Harry Eidenier, Jr., Ph.D., a brilliant researcher, biochemist and scientist.

Possibilities of Low serum iron, low ferritin and factors to rule out

“Any attempt to determine iron anemia without a serum iron and TIBC is of no avail.” - Harry Eidenier, Jr., PhD

Nutrient deficiencies: vitamin C, iodine, B12, folate and B6 (here are some possible causes for B12 deficiency)
Infections: bacterial overgrowth, intestinal parasites, Candida, H. pylori, SIBO. Rule out with a comprehensive digestive stool analysis. Order the stool kit here!
Gut dysfunction. Intestinal inflammation. Leaky gut. Absorption issues.
Hypochlorhydria (low stomach acid). Many individuals are deficient in hydrochloric acid (HCL), which is required to absorb iron and other nutrients. An inability to absorb iron is often the most obvious symptom of a much broader problem.
Excessive blood loss from heavy menses
Prescription and OTC drugs such as Metforim, Synthroid and NSAIDs inhibit iron absorption
Iron anemia in women may actually be an indication of a thyroid deficiency
Antacids, salicylate/aspirin, NSAIDS, fluoride exposure, excess zinc and calcium inhibit iron absorption
Long distance runners
Sleep deprivation
Chronic stress
Internal bleeding and bleeding ulcers
Anemia is linked to Crohn’s, rheumatoid arthritis, lupus and other autoimmune diseases
Standard American Diet (SAD): excessive intake of carbs, starches, fructose, sugar, processed foods, artificial sweeteners
Poorly planned vegetarian diets
The Journal of Nutrition published a study showing that polyphenols (grape seed extract and EGCG found in green tea extract) bind to iron in the intestinal cells, which inhibits absorption.
Tyrosine deficiency, a commonly overlooked problem with elderly individuals living on the “tea & toast diet” (insufficient intake of protein).
Excessive consumption of phytates found in legumes and grains, tannins found in tea, coffee, purple grapes, rice, walnuts and cocoa inhibit iron absorption.
Eating a NON-organic diet. Glyphosate, the key ingredient in Roundup is a major chelating agent, particularly chelating vital trace minerals such as magnesium, manganese, iron, molybdenum & cobalt from the body. Glyphosate has been linked to infertility, leaky gut, autoimmune disorders, neurological disorders, birth defects, ADHD, insulin resistance, altered DNA, accelerated aging, autism and hormone-sensitive cancers.

Symptoms of iron deficiency may include fatigue, dizziness, headaches, nighttime leg cramps, and spoon-shaped finger/toe nails with ridges. A desire to chew ice, eat chalk or dirt, and an inability to tolerate cold weather are common factors associated with iron anemia. Fifty percent of infant anemia is often an allergic condition caused by pasteurized milk that can cause bleeding in the GI tract.

If you have low iron, consider vitamin C, which aids to increase iron absorption. Use cast-iron cookware. Increase consumption of grass-fed red meats, oysters, clams, sardines, organ meats, pastured eggs (especially yolks), black strap molasses, and chlorophyll-rich foods such as spinach and dark leafy greens.

What about HIGH iron levels?

Because of the health risks associated with high levels of iron, men over 40 and woman over 50 should have their iron, TIBC and ferritin levels checked annually.

As we age, iron can accumulate in organs like the brain, liver, pancreas and heart. This is dangerous because excess iron is a PRO-oxidant, a free radical initiator that accelerates the aging process, and increases glycation. Sadly, the dangers of high iron are often overlooked.

Symptoms of iron overload may include lack of energy, joint pain, headaches, diminished sex drive, abdominal pain, memory, cognitive and heart problems, and yet there may be no discernable symptoms at all.

Possibilities of HIGH Iron and factors to rule out

The risk of developing excess iron levels seems to increase with age
Chronic alcohol use, OTC and prescription drugs, NSAIDs, oral contraceptives and taking supplements that contain iron can increase iron levels
Hemochromatosis (a hereditary disorder in which iron is excessively absorbed in the liver, pancreas and other organs). Those with hemochromatosis often have genetic mutations that predispose them to the disease.
Viral infections (hepatitis, Epstein-Barr, CMV, mono)
Intestinal permeability resulting in increased absorption of iron
Multiple blood transfusions
Heavy metal body burdens
Liver, biliary or spleen dysfunction
Nutrient deficiencies: zinc, copper, molybdenum

Iron overload and hemochromatosis are silent killers, meaning no discernable symptoms that can result in:

Free radical disease, oxidative stress, glycation and cellular aging (increased ferritin or increased iron are known free radical initiators that damage neurons in the brain)

Hormone imbalances. Early menopause. Damaged adrenals. High iron significantly decreases the bioavailability of thyroxine (T4), which can lead to thyroid dysfunction.

Dementia, cognitive decline and neurodegenerative brain disorders including Alzheimer’s and Parkinson’s disease
Heart disease, atherosclerosis, stroke, cancer, diabetes
Liver cirrhosis

If ferritin and iron levels are HIGH…..

Switch from using cast-iron cookware and instead opt for stainless steel, glass or ceramic
Heal the gut with the 5-step gut healing formula. Leaky gut and inflammation result in an increased absorption of iron.
Avoid foods with added iron, ferrous or ferric including processed foods and all grains including cereals and breads "fortified' with iron.
Avoid supplements with iron, vitamin C, citric acid, lysine, histidine, cysteine and methionine.
Test for and rule out toxic levels of heavy metal body burdens
Consume copper-rich foods such as oysters and shrimp. A copper deficiency causes tissues to retain excess iron. Never consume raw shellfish because it may contain a bacteria called Vibrio vulnificus that can be deadly to those with high iron levels.
Decrease red meat consumption and iron-rich foods
Avoid acetaminophen.
Avoid alcohol.
Donate blood to lower and remove excess iron, especially if the serum ferritin value is >100 or the transferrin saturation value is >35%.
Drink coffee to reduce iron's toxic effects. Coffee inhibits absorption of iron when taken with food.
Install a reverse osmosis water filtration system. Avoid well water.
Optimize liver function. Consider supplementing with Livotrit and other supplements that support chelation of iron and heavy metals
Consider supplementing with vitamin E; acetyl-L-carnitine; curcumin (Meriva-SR); chlorella caps; Porphyra-Zyme; alpha lipoic acid
Journal of Nutrition published a study showing that polyphenols (grape seed extract and EGCG found in green tea extract) decrease iron absorption.
Rule out zinc deficiency with the zinc taste test and serum alkaline phosphate values via the Blood Chemistry Analysis

Be Smart. Annual lab work to determine iron values and a Functional Blood Chemistry Analysis.

Serum ferritin measures the amount of stored iron in the liver, spleen and bone marrow, and is the second most abundant iron-bearing protein in the body. If your ferritin levels are low, this is an indication that your iron levels may also be low.
Serum iron (optimal ranges are 50-100 mcg/dL). Iron and total iron binding capacity (TIBC) are used to calculate the TS% (transferrin-iron saturation percentage).
TIBC percent of saturation is the gold standard lab test for the diagnosis of iron overload. A practical way to determine how much iron a person has in his/her body is to use blood tests called "serum ferritin" and "transferrin saturation." TIBC is frequently increased with the use of exogenous estrogen.

If your lab results indicate iron levels that are either too high or too low, contact my office. I will determine the root cause, why your iron, ferritin and TIBC are out of range, and restore balance and iron values to a healthier, optimal and functional level.

► BE SMART! Balance Body Chemistry with Nutrition through the Blood Chemistry Analysis

As a holistic nutritionist and functional health practitioner, my philosophy is to identify the root cause of any underlying health issues, slowly "peel away the layers of the onion," and design a healing protocol and comprehensive LIFESTYLE plan specific to your unique biochemistry so you can heal, experience vibrant health, balanced hormones and look, think and feel better than ever for a lifetime. I consult with men and women around the world and with clients locally in the Phoenix area. Schedule a free 15-minute consultation!

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