Iron in excessive amounts is toxic to humans because the body reacts with peroxides, producing free radicals. Toxicity occurs when the amount of iron exceeds the iron binding transferrin necessary for free. Too much ingested iron can directly damage cells in the gastrointestinal tract and enter the blood, destroying the cells that would otherwise restrict entry. Once in the blood, excess iron can damage heart cells, liver, etc.., Organ damage that can lead to long-term or even death. Therefore, iron preparations are indicated only in case of iron deficiency..
Iron toxicity occurs at levels above 20 mg of iron per kilogram of body weight, 60 mg / kg representing a lethal dose.
Treating medical problems caused by iron toxicity is complex. One aspect of this is using deferoxamine, which binds and removes excess iron from the body.
In the Middle Ages, iron was associated with the planet Mars, with masculinity and strength, resistance. Moreover, in alchemy, the symbol of iron was identical to that currently used to indicate masculine and one for Mars in astrology.
The term “iron” has come to be used to indicate something immovable, insurmountable eg Iron Curtain.
Toxicity of iron
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