Iron Overload and Oxidative Stress

Abstract: Oxidative stress is a state of the organism which is characterized by an excessive production of free oxygen radicals, in a way that they cannot be detoxified entirely by the cellular enzyme systems. This is most frequently the case if the iron stores of the body are relatively high. Oxidative stress is the cause of most of the well-known diseases caused by civilization such as: arteriosclerosis, heart disease, cancer, rheumatic diseases, and Alzheimer disease. The destructive role of iron resides in its capacity to transform the naturally formed hydrogen peroxide into the very aggressive hydroxyl radicals. Numerous plant substances inhibit iron absorption in the intestine or form catalytically inactive iron complexes in the cells. Therefore they are constituents of all healthy diets. Dark meat, on the other hand, is rich in easily absorbable heme iron. For this reason it should be used as a regular food only if iron deficiency is diagnosed. Long-term experiences have demonstrated that living with low iron stores is a very efficient means for preventing diseases.

Keyword(s): Freie Radikale

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