Iron is efficiently recycled in the body, with some loss occurring
through sweating during exercise, or for women, through menstrua-
tion. Excess iron loss or decreased intake may produce a serious
deficiency.
Excess iron in the body can be the result of taking iron found in
various dietary supplements. Iron can be deposited in the liver,
resulting in cirrhosis of the liver. Excess iron is also associated with
certain neurological problems including Alzheimer’s and Parkinson’s
disease, and multiple sclerosis. Since the early 1980s, scientists have
known of important relationships between high levels of stored iron
and heart disease. Excess iron, even moderate amounts, may even
prove to be a more significant risk factor for heart disease than excess
cholesterol.
When the body has enough iron for normal use, the remainder is
stored in the form of ferritin. Evidence shows that ferritin may pro-
mote the formation of free radicals. These may injure cells lining the
arteries and damage heart muscle, as well as increase the level of
LDL, the so-called bad cholesterol.
The marketing of iron to treat fatigue (“iron-poor, tired blood”)
may be one reason for excess accumulation of iron in some people, as
iron supplements are still very popular. Almost all multiple-vita-
min/mineral preparations contain too much of it, and many foods are
fortified with iron. Certainly, if you are iron deficient, taking an iron
supplement is necessary. But without knowing whether it’s needed,
traditional iron supplementation should be avoided. If a blood test
for ferritin shows you have too much stored iron, the first thing to do
is assess whether you are consuming too much. Often, excess iron
stores are the result of an accumulation of iron over several years. The
use of iron cookware also can contribute to high iron stores. In some
situations, the body’s metabolism may not be functioning properly,
resulting in excess ferritin. Donating blood may be one way to help
reduce excess iron stores.
A Note on Choline
Like all essential nutrients, choline is required for most of the body’s
basic functions, but one out of 10 Americans don’t get enough.
Choline is critical for proper fat metabolism, preventing the deposit
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