Why Iron Levels Rise: Common Causes of Iron Overload and What You Can Do About It

Iron is vital for life. It carries oxygen through the blood, fuels cellular energy, and supports immunity. But as with many things in the body, balance is everything. Too little iron leads to anaemia, while too much can quietly damage organs over time. Iron overload, also known as hemochromatosis or secondary iron accumulation, develops when the body absorbs or stores more iron than it needs. Understanding what causes this condition and how to manage it is key to preventing long-term complications. Common Causes of Iron Overload Genetic Hemochromatosis – A hereditary disorder that increases intestinal iron absorption. People with this condition can absorb up to four times more iron than normal each day. Repeated Blood Transfusions – Individuals with thalassemia, sickle-cell anaemia, or other chronic anaemias often receive transfusions that introduce large amounts of iron into the bloodstream. Excessive Dietary Intake or Supplements – Long-term use of iron supplements or diets r...