STORY AT-A-GLANCE
- Iron is essential to life, but data show that too much is associated with aging and a shortened life and health spans — the total years lived in good health
- High iron levels also increase the availability of free iron, which promotes heart cell death, leading to impaired heart function and mitochondrial dysfunction
- Excess iron affects blood pressure and glycemic control. Levels build with increased intake and the body’s poor ability to excrete extra iron
- Blood donation, or therapeutic phlebotomy for those unable to donate, is a quick and simple way to manage iron levels. Get a yearly ferritin and GGT test to measure your levels