Definition of Excess iron

Excess iron: Iron overload can damage the heart, liver, gonads and other organs.

Iron overload is a particular risk for:

• People with certain genetic conditions such as hemochromatosis; and
• People receiving repeated blood transfusions.

According to the National Academy of Sciences, the Recommended Dietary Allowances of iron are 15 milligrams per day for women and 10 milligrams per day for men.

Iron poisoning is another big problem. Iron supplements meant for adults (such as for pregnant women) are a major cause of poisoning in children. Care should be taken to keep iron supplements safely away from children.