Iron 301 – Treatment of Iron Deficiency or Overload

(Third in a three-part series)

by Mila McManus, MD

*** If you missed the previous articles, click here for part 1 and here for part 2.

In Functional Medicine we take an individual and multi-faceted approach to resolving iron deficiency. First, we search for the root causes of the deficiency which may include examining the diet, current female status regarding pregnancy, breast feeding, and menstrual cycle, medical history, possible lab work, and determination of whether there may be internal sources of bleeding.

Iron deficiency treatment includes some combination of supplemental or IV iron, dietary and lifestyle adjustments, and addressing gut health issues that may be affecting absorption of dietary iron. Mitigating and correcting other medical issues regarding menstrual cycles, liver or kidney function may also be included.

Supplemental iron is not ideal for everyone. Iron supplements can cause nausea, constipation, stomach aches, and/or diarrhea. Additionally, supplement quality is an important factor to consider. Supplements are NOT all created equal. An iron IV is a possible solution with much fewer side effects, and they are offered here at The Woodlands Institute for Health and Wellness. Click on: Iron Sources and Ideas for a guide to dietary tips to maximize iron absorption.

Something else to consider is that a copper or vitamin A (Retinol) deficiency may contribute to iron deficiency, and supplementing with these correctly, could be the treatment of choice!

Hemochromatosis, both primary and secondary, where there is too much iron in the blood, is normally handled by removing blood from the body through a process called phlebotomy, or bloodletting. Another possible avenue is chelation therapy using an iron binding medication so that extra iron can be carried out of the body through the bowels and urine.

[1] https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/166455#causes

[1] Winters, N. & Kelley, J. (2017). The metabolic approach to cancer: Integrating deep nutrition, the Ketogenic diet, and nontoxic bio-individualized therapies. Chelsea Green.

[1] https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/hemochromatosis/symptoms-causes/syc-20351443

[1] https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/166455#causes

[1] https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/diseases/22824-iron-deficiency-anemia

[1] https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/166455#causes

[1] mercola.com September 2022 article on iron

By Admin|2022-09-12T15:06:59-05:00September 14th, 2022|General|

Iron Part Two – Causes of Too Little or Too Much

(Second in a three-part series)

by Mila McManus, MD

***If you missed Part One, click here.

Iron deficiency is quite common and can be caused by many factors[i]. Common causes include gastrointestinal bleeding (e.g., due to long-term use of NSAIDS or aspirin, ulcers, polyps, and colon cancer), urinary tract bleeding, blood loss from injury or surgery, heavy menstrual periods, and frequent blood donation or blood tests. Deficiency can also be caused by both inadequate supplies in the diet as well as conditions that limit the amount of iron absorbed by the body.

Almost anyone can develop an iron deficiency, though it is most common in menstruating women, pregnant and breast feeding women, and infants and children ages 6 months to 2 years who don’t get adequate dietary iron from mother’s breast milk or cow’s milk. Vegans or vegetarians can easily become iron deficient as well. Teenage growth spurts are another potential risk factor for iron deficiency.

As we mentioned in Part One of this three part series on iron, excess iron levels, though rare, are usually caused by a hereditary disease called hemochromatosis. Too much iron is absorbed by the body and stored in organs, most often the liver, heart, or pancreas, and capable of causing life-threatening conditions such as liver disease, heart problems, and diabetes. As you may recall from part one, once iron is in the blood stream, the body does not have the ability to excrete it.

There are, however, causes of excess iron that are not genetic[ii] and these are called secondary hemochromatosis. Chronic liver disease such as hepatitis C infection, or alcohol related liver disease could cause excess iron storage as could blood transfusions, taking oral iron pills, having iron infusions, or long-term kidney dialysis.

Next week we will conclude this three part series on iron by providing solutions for addressing too little or too much iron.

[i] https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/diseases/22824-iron-deficiency-anemia

[ii] https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/166455#causes

By Admin|2022-09-06T08:26:24-05:00September 7th, 2022|General|

Iron 101 – Too Little or Too Much

(First in a three part series)

by Mila McManus, MD

Our body requires iron to make blood. About 70% of the iron in our body is located in red blood cells where it forms hemoglobin. We must have sufficient stores of it in order to make new red blood cells, and also replicate DNA for cellular repair. The intestinal tract is designed to take in needed iron supplies from the food we eat, and to block absorption when supplies are adequate. The body is not able to excrete excess iron once it is absorbed into the bloodstream[i].

Iron deficiency is quite common and can cause fatigue, anemia, shortness of breath, hair loss, and light-headedness. When these levels are low, oxygen delivery to cells and tissues is compromised. In regard to cancer, iron deficiency can increase the invasiveness and metastatic potential for growth rather than apoptosis, or death[ii].

While uncommon, some individuals have excess iron, a hereditary condition called hemochromatosis[iii]. There are, however, causes of excess iron that are not genetic[iv] and these are called secondary hemochromatosis. Detection of excess iron can be difficult, and symptoms usually develop over time. Most patients will have no symptoms. As overload progresses, symptoms include fatigue, joint pain, abdominal pain, bronze skin color, weakness, weight loss, low sex drive, and will eventually affect the liver, pancreas, thyroid, and/or heart.

It is important to have your levels checked periodically, and have abnormalities addressed when applicable. Call our office at 281-298-6742 to schedule an appointment.

Next week we will take a look at what causes these levels to be too low or too high.

And the following week, for Part 3, we’ll discuss treatment options for overload and deficiency.

[i] https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/166455#causes

[ii] Winters, N. & Kelley, J. (2017). The metabolic approach to cancer: Integrating deep nutrition, the Ketogenic diet, and nontoxic bio-individualized therapies. Chelsea Green.

[iii] https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/hemochromatosis/symptoms-causes/syc-20351443

[iv] https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/166455#causes

By Admin|2022-11-01T10:08:53-05:00August 31st, 2022|General|