Many serious health problems may be caused by accidental overdoses, taking high-dose supplements for a long time, or chronic iron overload disorders. Iron toxicity can be either sudden or gradual. However, several iron overload disorders may disrupt this fragile balance. The rate of iron absorption from the digestive tract is tightly regulated by the hormone hepcidin. Likewise, an overdose of iron supplements may cause severe iron poisoning. Over time, diets low in iron may cause a deficiency. Iron balance is also affected by the amount of iron in our diet. On the other hand, conditions that stimulate hepcidin formation may cause iron deficiency. However, a few disorders that suppress hepcidin production can lead to iron overload. Most of the time, this system works quite well.

Low iron stores -> Levels of hepcidin decrease -> Iron absorption increases.

High iron stores -> Levels of hepcidin increase -> Iron absorption decreases.

Its main function is to suppress the absorption of iron. Hepcidin, the body’s iron-regulatory hormone, is responsible for keeping iron stores in balance.

The body regulates iron levels by adjusting the rate of iron absorption from the digestive tract.

High levels of iron are potentially toxic, so we should avoid getting too much.

Iron is an essential nutrient that plays a role in many basic body functions, so we must get a small amount.

There are two reasons why iron levels are tightly regulated within the body:

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