Iron is essential for oxygen transport and energy production, but more is not always better.
When excessive iron accumulates, it can contribute to oxidative stress and damage tissues, including the liver.
Before recommending support, I want to understand whether iron is genuinely accumulating and what is driving that pattern.
Why the liver matters
The liver stores iron and produces hepcidin, a hormone that helps regulate iron absorption and release.
It also produces proteins involved in transporting iron and maintains antioxidant systems that help protect cells.
Excess iron can encourage the formation of reactive molecules that damage liver cells. Over time, significant accumulation can contribute to inflammation and scarring.
Supporting liver health, nutritional status and normal detoxification pathways is therefore part of the wider plan.
However, improving detoxification does not itself remove stored iron or prevent genetically driven iron accumulation. Confirmed overload needs treatment directed at reducing the excess.
Ferritin does not tell the whole story
Ferritin provides information about iron stores, but it can also rise with inflammation or liver disease.
I consider it alongside serum iron, transferrin saturation and iron binding capacity. Liver results, inflammation markers and previous blood tests help clarify the picture.
High ferritin does not automatically mean iron overload, and a single result cannot explain the cause.
Possible further investigations
Depending on your results and history, further medical assessment may include genetic testing for hereditary haemochromatosis.
FibroScan uses ultrasound based technology to measure liver stiffness, helping assess the possibility of fibrosis, or scarring. It can also estimate fat accumulation in the liver.
FibroScan does not measure stored iron directly. A specialised MRI may be used when the amount of iron in the liver or other organs needs assessment.
These investigations answer different questions and should be selected according to your circumstances.
Food and supplements worth reviewing
Haem iron
Haem iron, found in animal foods such as red meat and organ meats, is readily absorbed.
When iron overload is confirmed, I may review the frequency and portions of these foods, particularly where there is a genetic predisposition to excessive absorption.
The aim is to reduce unnecessary iron intake while maintaining adequate protein and overall nutrition.
Concentrated products
I would review iron supplements, multivitamins containing iron, chlorella, green drinks, green powders, molasses and beetroot powder.
Their iron content varies considerably. They should not automatically be assumed to be high in iron, but labels, serving sizes and added ingredients deserve attention.
Beetroot powder, for example, is not automatically unsuitable simply because it contains beetroot.
Vitamin C
Vitamin C increases the absorption of iron, particularly from plant foods.
With confirmed iron overload, vitamin C supplements need careful review. Simply taking a high dose at a different time does not necessarily make it appropriate.
This does not mean excluding all fruit and vegetables.
Tannins and other polyphenols
Compounds in tea can reduce the absorption of iron from meals, particularly iron from plant foods.
Tea with meals may be considered as part of an individual plan. This can limit further absorption but does not remove iron already stored in organs.
Where lactoferrin fits
Lactoferrin is an iron binding protein involved in iron handling and immune processes.
Its ability to bind iron is why it is discussed in relation to iron accumulation. However, this does not establish that taking lactoferrin will reduce excessive iron stores in a person.
I would consider its suitability individually. It is not a replacement for treatment such as therapeutic phlebotomy, the controlled removal of blood.
My approach
I bring together your complete iron panel, liver health, inflammatory markers, family history, menstrual changes, food intake and supplement use.
Where appropriate, I may recommend further blood testing or referral for medical investigations.
Support may include reviewing iron exposure, maintaining adequate nutrition and supporting liver and metabolic health alongside the treatment needed to reduce iron accumulation.
The aim is to understand the cause, protect your health and monitor your response over time.
If you feel you need support in this area, please reach out and let’s take the next steps together towards improving your overall wellbeing.
Lisa Cahill
Qualified nurse and naturopathic nutritionist
Evolve Female Wellness
lisa@evolvefemalewellness.com
Any foods, supplements or approaches mentioned are included for information only and are not individual recommendations. They do not suit everybody. Your complete results, medical history and current treatment must be considered before making changes.