| Unlike many inorganic substances, iron, once
absorbed is not readily excreted. Siderosis is the comprehensive term denoting excess of
iron from increased absorption or after injections. Causes
Increased iron levels in the body may rise due to faulty iron metabolism or due to
excessive intake of iron in the diet or consuming food cooked in iron vessels.
Signs and symptoms
All the excess iron is deposited in the liver thus leading to cirrhosis*. Hepatic
failure, diabetes, testicular atrophy, arthritis, peripheral neuropath and hyper
pigmentation are the other signs and symptoms.
* Inflammation and enlargement of the liver
Prevention and treatment
The general treatment in extreme cases is weekly blood letting which removes the excess
iron in the body.
Iron
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