Editor’s Note: This article was originally published on March 10, 2024.
Christy Sutton, D.C., discusses the dangers of excessive iron in an interview. While iron deficiency is commonly checked for by doctors, elevated iron levels are often overlooked. Sutton, author of “Genetic Testing: Defining Your Path to a Personalized Health Plan: An Integrative Approach to Optimize Health,” and “The Iron Curse: Is Your Doctor Letting High Iron Destroy Your Health?” emphasizes the importance of iron in health, particularly for children and young adults.
Sutton’s interest in iron stems from personal experiences with low iron due to Crohn’s disease and celiac, and her husband’s genetic anomaly that causes elevated iron levels. Through her research and clinical practice, she discovered the prevalence of high iron levels and the importance of genetic testing in identifying hemochromatosis genes.
She emphasizes the need to address high iron levels, which are often misdiagnosed or dismissed by healthcare providers. Sutton shares her own experiences with managing iron levels and highlights the significance of regular blood donations and certain supplements, such as curcumin, in lowering iron levels effectively.
In conclusion, Sutton stresses the importance of genetic testing, regular monitoring of iron levels, and the use of supplements to address high iron levels and prevent associated health issues. It is also beneficial for protecting nerves and reducing blood sugar levels.
“I don’t believe silymarin lowers iron as much as curcumin does, but it is still a significant way to decrease iron,” she explains. “The best way to take these supplements to lower iron levels is to consume them with iron-rich meals. If you are taking them for their medicinal properties but not specifically to lower iron, it is recommended to take them separately from iron-rich meals.”
Health Risks Related to High Iron Levels
High iron levels pose several health risks, including an increased risk of skin infections and skin cancer. High iron may potentially act as a catalyst in the development of skin cancer, along with a high intake of linoleic acid (LA). LA is oxidized by iron, forming a substance called lipofuscin, which is essentially iron attached to oxidized LA.
Lipofuscin is commonly known as liver spots. Thus, liver spots are a visible manifestation of oxidative damage to LA caused by high iron levels. Similarly, the combination of high LA and high iron may contribute to the development of skin cancer. In ancestral times, LA levels were below 2%, whereas today, the average is around 25%. Individuals with normal ancestral LA levels may tolerate higher iron levels without experiencing significant damage.
Understanding Hemochromatosis
Various iron-related diagnoses include iron-deficient anemia, copper-deficient anemia, iron overload, and hereditary hemochromatosis, and pinpointing the correct diagnosis can be challenging.
“One reassuring aspect is that laboratory tests are always available,” Sutton notes. “Relying solely on symptoms may lead to a delayed diagnosis, as the individual may already be on a path of pathology that could have been addressed years or even decades earlier.”
Hereditary hemochromatosis occurs when an individual inherits one of three hemochromatosis genes, leading to increased iron absorption by reducing hepcidin, a liver protein. Individuals with the hemochromatosis gene produce less hepcidin, resulting in higher iron absorption.
This excessive iron absorption can be detrimental as the body continues to accumulate iron until it reaches a saturation point. The liver is typically the first organ to be overloaded with iron, followed by other organs such as the heart, pancreas, brain, pituitary gland, gonads, ovaries, testes, and skin.
Eventually, iron may accumulate throughout the body, as the human body has evolved to retain as much iron as possible. The primary means of iron loss is through blood loss, explaining why menstruating women have a lower risk of high iron levels and a higher risk of low iron levels.
“Nevertheless, in the case of hemochromatosis genes, exceptions can occur,” Sutton adds. “There are instances of females with hemochromatosis genes developing high iron levels, as well as children with these genes experiencing severe neurological issues due to excessive iron accumulation.”
“I encountered this in a colleague’s 5-year-old, where hereditary hemochromatosis was causing severe neurological complications. Addressing this issue was challenging as the hematologist was hesitant to intervene.”
When examining lab results, hereditary hemochromatosis can closely resemble non-hereditary hemochromatosis, where an individual has high iron levels without possessing a hemochromatosis gene.
Individuals with non-hereditary secondary hemochromatosis often have thalassemia, a condition where red blood cells break down, releasing excess iron and potentially leading to high iron levels with low red blood cell counts.
This scenario is common in individuals without a thalassemia gene who develop high iron levels due to a diet rich in iron and a lack of iron loss through menstruation, typically observed in men.
Diagnosing Hemochromatosis
For diagnostic purposes, Sutton recommends conducting a full iron panel, a complete blood count (CBC) test, gamma-glutamyl transferase (GGT) test, and a comprehensive metabolic panel to assess liver enzyme levels. Measuring copper and ceruloplasmin levels can also aid in diagnosis.
“The full iron panel includes ferritin, TIBC (total iron-binding capacity), UIBC (unsaturated iron-binding capacity), serum iron, and iron saturation. In hereditary hemochromatosis, elevated ferritin levels are observed alongside high iron saturation. Therefore, a combination of over 45% iron saturation and high ferritin levels indicates hereditary hemochromatosis,” Sutton explains.
In cases of hereditary hemochromatosis, individuals may exhibit high iron levels, low TIBC, low UIBC, high serum iron, and elevated ferritin levels. Liver enzymes may also be elevated, and red blood cell counts, hemoglobin, and hematocrit levels may be elevated.
However, these patterns may not always be consistent, especially in individuals taking testosterone supplements, which can also raise red blood cell counts and related parameters.
Obtaining a GGT test is essential, as high GGT levels may indicate liver issues even when AST and ALT levels (other liver enzymes) are within normal ranges. In cases where high iron levels are present without alcohol consumption, elevated ALT levels are commonly observed.
Optimal Ferritin Levels
Keeping ferritin levels below 100 is recommended by Sutton. Ferritin levels exceeding 100 may suggest inflammation, high iron levels, or both. Research cited by Sutton indicates that ferritin levels above 200 are pathological and associated with a shorter lifespan, increased risks of heart attacks, and cancer.
“I believe that a ferritin level of 100 is sufficiently high to avoid overlooking potential issues while still being low enough to avoid unnecessary concerns,” she notes. “If an individual presents with a ferritin level over 100 and an iron saturation rate of 40% or higher, I would suspect a hemochromatosis gene and recommend genetic testing.”
If a hemochromatosis gene is identified, it provides insight into the individual’s high iron levels and allows for appropriate management, often involving a hematologist’s expertise. Discuss with individuals how to reduce their iron levels. If they do not have a hemochromatosis gene, it is important to determine why their iron levels are high. This could be due to a thalassemia gene, excessive iron consumption, or unexplained hemolysis. Treatment for non-hereditary hemochromatosis involves using supplements to lower iron levels. Therapeutic phlebotomy may also be recommended if the individual has sufficient red blood cells and hemoglobin.
High iron levels may be linked to conditions such as Cushing’s disease. Oxidative stress from high iron could impact the pituitary gland, leading to hormonal imbalances. Progesterone has been suggested as a potential treatment for Cushing’s disease, as it can block cortisol. Other natural substances that may inhibit cortisol include aspirin, DHEA, pregnenolone, and certain vitamins and nutrients.
When using progesterone for treatment, it is important to follow a Bioenergetic diet approach to optimize its effects. Transmucosal progesterone administration is recommended, as it can counteract estrogen excess. Avoid transdermal progesterone due to potential conversion issues.
It is important to administer progesterone correctly for optimal results. Companies may label progesterone products as “topical” due to FDA regulations, but it can still be recommended by physicians for off-label use. Using vitamin E as a solvent for progesterone can enhance its absorption and effectiveness.
When selecting a vitamin E supplement, ensure it is natural and contains a complete spectrum of tocopherols and tocotrienols. Synthetic vitamin E should be avoided, as it may not provide the same benefits. High-quality, pharmaceutical-grade progesterone can be purchased online for around $40. This is almost a year’s supply, depending on the dose you select.
However, you will need to buy some small stainless steel measuring spoons as you will require a 1/64 tsp which is 25 mg and a 1/32 tsp which is 50 mg. A typical dose is usually 25-50 mg and should be taken 30 minutes before bedtime, as it has an anti-cortisol function and will increase GABA levels for a restful night’s sleep.
Unfortunately, this seller often runs out of stock, in which case you can use Simply Progesterone by Health Natura. It is premixed with vitamin E and MCT oil. Although Health Natura indicates that its product is for “topical use only,” I suggest applying it transmucosally, by rubbing it on your gums.
If you are a menstruating woman, you should take the progesterone during the luteal phase or the last half of your cycle, which can be calculated by starting 10 days after the first day of your period and stopping the progesterone when your period begins.
If you are a male or a non-menstruating woman you can take the progesterone daily for four to six months and then cycle off for one week. The optimal time to take progesterone is 30 minutes before bedtime as it has an anti-cortisol function and will increase GABA levels for a good night’s sleep.
This is the regimen I have been following for over a year with great results. I am a physician so I do not encounter any issues with this. However, if you are not a physician, it is recommended to consult one before starting this therapy, as transmucosal progesterone therapy requires a doctor’s prescription.
Understanding Iron-Deficient Anemia
As Sutton explains, iron-deficient anemia is a serious condition. Children born to women with iron-deficient anemia are at a significantly higher risk of having low IQ, ADD, ADHD, and other neurological issues that may persist into adulthood.
“Many children suffer from low iron due to consuming a lot of calcium-rich foods. Calcium binds to iron, leading to iron deficiency. Perhaps they are picky eaters or experiencing rapid growth. Many children are not being screened for their iron levels and are being misdiagnosed with ADHD when the root cause is actually low iron. Without enough iron, dopamine production is affected. Therefore, low iron is a significant problem,”
Individuals with iron-deficient anemia typically have high TIBC and UIBC levels as their bodies attempt to increase iron mobilization. Serum iron and iron saturation levels are usually low, and ferritin levels are typically below 30.
“Iron-deficient anemia is complex in many ways because the question arises, why are iron levels low?” Sutton explains. “There are numerous reasons why someone may have low iron. Is it due to inadequate dietary intake? Absorption issues? One of the most common causes of low iron is gastrointestinal bleeding. It could be due to intestinal malabsorption problems, possibly undiagnosed celiac disease.
There is a genetic factor that can increase the likelihood of low iron levels. I have that gene, and it results in increased hepcidin production. In cases of iron-deficient anemia, low red blood cell count, low hemoglobin, and low hematocrit levels may also be observed. MCH [mean corpuscular hemoglobin] and MCV [mean corpuscular volume] may decrease.
Copper Deficiency Can Lead to Both Low and High Iron Levels
A common reason for iron-deficient anemia is a copper deficiency. Interestingly, a lack of copper can also result in iron overload. Sutton elaborates:
“This is because copper is vital for two key enzymes. The first enzyme is hephaestin, and the second one is ceruloplasmin. Hephaestin is located in the intestinal lining and requires copper for iron absorption. Without copper, iron absorption is impaired, leading to iron-deficient anemia.
Once iron is absorbed in the gut lining with the help of hephaestin, it is then transferred to ceruloplasmin, the second enzyme rich in copper. Ceruloplasmin facilitates the transfer of copper throughout the body. Without ceruloplasmin, iron accumulates in various tissues, such as the digestive system, retina, brain, and liver.
As a result, iron overload occurs in the tissues. However, prolonged copper deficiency may eventually lead to low iron levels, thereby reducing excess iron accumulation in the tissues. The solution is to supplement with copper to address copper-deficient anemia.
Copper-deficient anemia presents similarly to iron-deficient anemia on an iron panel. High TIBC, high UIBC, low serum iron, low iron saturation, and low ferritin levels are common indicators. Additionally, low neutrophils and white blood cell count may be observed, as copper is essential for normal immune function, potentially increasing susceptibility to infections.
Ceruloplasmin levels can be challenging to interpret, as it is an inflammatory marker. Hormone use, pregnancy, inflammation, or infections can cause fluctuations in ceruloplasmin levels. A low or low-normal ceruloplasmin level that increases with copper supplementation indicates a copper deficiency.”
Incorporating More Iron into Your Diet
The most effective way to boost iron levels is through dietary sources. Shellfish and beef are iron-rich foods with highly absorbable iron. This is crucial because iron exists in two forms: heme iron and non-heme iron, with heme iron being more readily absorbed and found in animal products, while non-heme iron in vegetables like spinach is less absorbable.
“If you are not consuming iron-rich foods such as red meat, your risk of low iron is higher if this is a concern for you,” Sutton advises. Si luchas con tener mucho hierro, tal vez no quieras comer tantas de esas cosas o tal vez simplemente quieras eliminar la sangre y suplementar según corresponda, para que puedas seguir comiendo esas cosas.
La forma que me gusta si voy a tomar un suplemento es el peptonato ferroso, que encontré que es el más suave en mi estómago pero también aumenta los niveles de hierro. Realmente no me gusta el sulfato ferroso, que es el más común en cuanto a hierro se refiere. No creo que funcione muy bien, y tiende a causar mucho dolor de estómago. Siempre tengo que tomar mi hierro con comida y a veces le añado cobre o vitamina C. Si no lo tomo con comida, realmente me va a molestar el estómago.
Más Información
Para obtener más información, consulta los libros de Sutton, “Pruebas Genéticas: Definiendo tu camino hacia un plan de salud personalizado: Un enfoque integrador para optimizar la salud,” y “La Maldición del Hierro, ¿Tu doctor está permitiendo que el alto hierro destruya tu salud?”.