For many years it was thought that high iron levels were a good thing. Remember the huge amount of advertising for iron supplements particularly Geritol (see old ad below).

More recently it has been realized that high levels of iron and some other minerals, such as copper, may be bad for us, particularly as we age.

The idea that high levels of iron may not be optimal started with consideration of the fact that women have low rates of heart disease until they go through menopause, and then the rate increases and is the same as men. There is some evidence that the loss of iron due to loss of blood during menstruation may be at least partially responsible. Additionally in those areas of the world there is a low intake of iron, there is less heart disease. (However, some researchers argue that the pre-menopausal lower risk of heart disease could be due to higher estrogen levels, and the low iron intake usually goes in hand with the diet containing less meat and more plant material.)

These findings led to many (mainly men) starting to donate blood regularly to lower their iron levels. There is some evidence that regular donors have a lower risk of heart attack.

Now there is more evidence, that particularly after the reproductive years, that high levels of iron and copper can contribute to age-related diseases such as cardiovascular disease, diabetes and Alzheimer’s disease. It is suggested that high levels of copper and iron contribute to cell damage due to their involvement in oxidation damage. Though both iron and copper are involved in regulation of antioxidant enzymes, they are also very reactive and can cause damage when present at high levels. As we age damage accumulates in our cells. It is possible that high levels of copper and iron may increase the rate of damage.

Think carefully about taking iron and copper supplements unless you are deficient. They could be too much of a good thing.
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Check out this Geritol ad from the 60’s. They don’t make ads like this anymore!
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photo credit: NomadicLass