Are You Iron Overloaded and Vitamin C Deficient?

Qualifier: If you are a man or a non-menstruating woman, then the answer to that question is probably YES. What does iron overload mean? Think of what happens when iron oxidizes. It rusts. The same thing with too much iron in our system - our body "rusts" so to speak.

Iron is a mineral we need to stay healthy. Most of us get enough iron from food we eat or from supplements. People who don't get enough iron may develop anemia. Conversely, people who get too much iron may develop other diseases, including hardening of the arteries and brain plaque. In either case, too little or too much iron is not good. It is obviously important to maintain proper iron levels, and I'd like to offer some insight.

People in third world countries don't usually deal with iron overload because of parasites (parasites LOVE iron), but since the early 1900's, those of us in first world countries don't deal with parasites as much and as a result, many people are now iron overloaded.  A bit "ironic" I'd say!

An excellent way to combat iron overload is to donate blood every 3 to 6 months. If you can't (or don't like to) donate blood, you can use a method called blood letting, which should be done under the supervision of a health professional (but NOT with leeches!).

Vitamin C from the food you eat or from supplements will also help in keeping the iron in your system at normal levels. It's import to note that Vitamin C is not the same as ascorbic acid, which is a popular misconception. Let me repeat that: Ascorbic acid is NOT equal to Vitamin C.


If you choose to take Vitamin C, it should be real Vitamin C from a whole food source or high quality supplement. Some excellent sources of Vitamin C are acerola cherries, citrus fruits, rose hips, camu-camu, and a supplement we have here in our office called Cataplex C.

My advice to you is this: Unless you are a menstruating female or you have been diagnosed with iron deficiency, don't take iron supplements. If you do need iron supplements, please do so under the supervision of your doctor or health professional. And make sure the Vitamin C you are getting is from high quality food sources or supplements (NOT ascorbic acid). Doing these few things alone will go a long way toward keeping your iron levels in balance, which will in turn help you maintain an overall healthy lifestyle, including helping to keep hardening of your arteries and brain plaque to a minimum.

A special note about Oasis Family Medicine office hours:

Kellie Kell, our Board Certified Family Nurse Practitioner, will now be available for Saturday appointments. We are excited to offer this special opportunity, as it's the first time we have ever been open on the weekend. You can call the office at (818) 957-6909 to schedule an appointment with Kellie.

Enjoy the video, and as always, please feel free to pass this along!

Medical Disclaimer: Information provided in this article is for informational purposes only. The information is a result of years of practice and experience by Yoshi Rahm, DO. However, this information is NOT intended as a substitute for the advice provided by your physician or another healthcare professional, or any information contained on or in any product label or packaging.

Do not use the information provided in this article for diagnosing or treating a health problem or disease, or prescribing medication or other treatment. Always speak with your physician or another healthcare professional before taking any medication or nutritional, herbal or homeopathic supplement, or using any treatment for a health problem. If you have or suspect that you have a medical problem, contact your health care provider promptly. Do not disregard professional medical advice or delay in seeking professional advice because of something you have read in this email.

Information provided in this article and the use of any products or services related to this article by you DOES NOT create a doctor-patient relationship between you and Yoshi Rahm, DO. or any other physician featured in this article. Information and statements regarding dietary supplements have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration and are not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease.