Causes of raised Iron

Primary Iron overload is inherited, eg haemochromatosis, a genetic condition which leads to increased intestinal absorption of Iron.

Secondary Iron overload usually arises from transfusion overload, haemolysis, iron loading anaemias (thalassaemia, chronic haemolytic anaemia, congenital sideroblastic anaemia); hepatocellular chronic liver disease (alcoholic liver disease, hepatitis B&C, NASH), from increased dietary consumption of Iron or from excessive parenteral intake.

Causes of Iron deficiency

The most common cause of Iron deficiency occurs due to excessive blood loss. This can be as a result of acute haemorrhage or chronic blood loss with menorrhagia or occult intestinal bleeding.

Other risk factors for low Iron occur due to inadequate dietary intake; poor intestinal absorption (coeliac disease, atrophic gastritis, H pylori, parasitic infection, post gastric or bariatric surgery) and states of increased demand such as pregnancy.