Mechanisms of iron loading and toxicity.
Level 5 - mechanism / opinion, no new human data
Narrative review of mechanisms without systematic literature search methodology or original clinical data
PubMed 17963252 · doi:10.1002/ajh.21075
What was done
This narrative review synthesizes concepts of normal human iron homeostasis, intestinal absorption mechanisms, and the pathophysiological differences and clinical consequences of primary versus secondary iron overload.
What was found
The abstract reports no empirical numbers or quantitative statistical data. It describes that body iron balance relies exclusively on the regulation of intestinal absorption because humans lack an active physiological excretion pathway, and that continued excessive iron uptake causes tissue deposition, damage, and potential end-organ failure.
Why it matters
It outlines foundational physiological mechanisms distinguishing primary from secondary iron loading and clarifies why failure of absorption control leads inevitably to cumulative organ toxicity.
Limits
The abstract describes a narrative conceptual review with no original clinical data, systematic search protocol, sample size, or quantitative risk estimates.
Cited by
- supports The human body does not have a physiological mechanism to eliminate excess iron.