I've heard a theory that modern societies consume too much iron in their diets already.Any educated responses?

Answer 1

I wonder too. I have a baby and give her formula. That stuff has a TON of iron in it. Seems like too much. I mean back when my mom was a baby they didn't have formula and she turned out okay.

Answer 2

Did that theory have any facts behind it? A lot of them are just the "theory-de-jour" - mindless yammering that gets into media that want to fill up air time or back page columns. If the question doesn't sound educated there are not likely to be many educated responses.

In the mean time I will stop licking 10-penny nails every morning just in case too much iron is bad for me.

Answer 3

yes people can get to much iron and the main reason is taken as vitamin supplements
What is Iron Overload
Iron overload occurs when, after many years, the body absorbs an abundance of iron which builds up in organ tissues such as the heart and/or liver. Iron overload is a serious chronic condition that must be properly diagnosed and treated. Undiagnosed iron overload can lead to hemochromatosis – a potentially life-threatening disease.
Hemochromatosis occurs as a result of significant iron overload. In the U.S. more than one million people have hemochromatosis. While the majority of cases are genetic in origin, other non-genetic causes may occur such as complications from other blood disorders, chronic transfusion therapy, chronic hepatitis, and excessive iron intake.

What are the Symptoms of Iron Overload or Hemochromatosis?
While there is no distinct set of symptoms that indicate iron overload, early symptoms of iron overload or hemochromatosis include:

Fatigue
Weakness
Weight loss
Joint pain
Abdominal pain
As iron overload progresses, patients often experience:
Arthritis
Symptoms of Gonadal failure
Dyspnea or shortness of breath
How is Iron Overload Diagnosed
Diagnosing iron overload or hemochromatosis early is essential for preventing many of the disease’s potentially life-threatening consequences. Although routine medical checkups do not include testing for iron overload, diagnosis is as simple as running two simple, inexpensive, blood tests. Fasting is required for both the transferrin saturation and serum ferritinblood tests. If you have a close blood relative, or have the signs and symptoms of hemochromatosis, ask your health care provider to run these simple and life-saving tests today.
What is the Treatment for Iron Overload or Hemochromatosis?
The preferred treatment for reducing iron levels in hemochromatosis patients is called therapeutic phlebotomy. Phlebotomy is simply the removing of blood from the body. Begun early, phlebotomy prevents much of the damage that is caused by iron overload. Patients who have no evidence of tissue or organ damage when diagnosed can often expect a full and normal life. Patients who already have organ or tissue damage can stop the progression of hemochromatosis and expect no further damage, a reduction in symptoms, and improved life expectancy once phlebotomy begins.