- High iron levels, particularly serum ferritin above 1,000 µg/L, significantly increase the risk of fractures, with vertebral fractures being most common. Managing iron levels is key to reducing this risk
- Both iron overload and deficiency weaken bones. Excess iron promotes osteoclast activity, leading to bone resorption, while insufficient iron impairs osteoblast function, disrupting bone formation
- Elevated iron levels adversely affect bone microarchitecture, compromising bone strength and increasing fracture susceptibility
- Excess iron leads to the production of reactive oxygen species, causing oxidative stress that damages bone cells and disrupts their function, further weakening bones
- If your ferritin levels are high, establish a regular blood donation schedule of two to four times per year to effectively remove excess iron from your body
A population-based matched cohort study investigated the relationship between iron overload disorders and the risk of bone fractures, aiming to determine whether elevated iron levels significantly increase the likelihood of fractures among affected individuals.
The study included 20,264 patients diagnosed with iron overload and 192,956 matched control participants. The population consisted of adults over 18 years old, with an average age of 57, and approximately 40% were female. The findings revealed a 55% increased risk of fractures among patients with iron overload, with the highest risk observed for vertebral fractures.
Specifically, patients with serum ferritin levels exceeding 1,000 µg/L, a marker indicating high iron in the blood, had a 91% increased risk of any fracture and a 2.5-fold increased risk of vertebral fractures. Notably, the study found no elevated fracture risk among patients without high serum ferritin levels. Additionally, the risk was consistent across both males and females, indicating that iron overload affects fracture risk similarly regardless of sex.
One of the key biological mechanisms identified is that iron overload adversely affects both bone quantity and the microarchitecture — the tiny structures that make up bone. This deterioration compromises bone strength, making fractures more likely. The study underscores the importance of monitoring serum ferritin levels as an indicator of fracture risk, especially in individuals with laboratory-confirmed iron overload.
https://articles.mercola.com/sites/articles/archive/2025/01/16/high-iron-levels-bone-health.aspx