Iron: Is Too Much Harmful? (Infographic)

Getting enough iron is important for immune function, but what happens when your body gets too much? Having excess iron - iron overload - can pose serious health risks and be especially toxic for those with sickle cell anemia. Follow the infographic below to learn more about how iron affects your body and how to recognize and treat overload.

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How much iron you need each day depends on your age, gender, and overall health.

Infants and toddlers need more iron than adults, in general, because their bodies are growing so quickly. In childhood, boys and girls need the same amount of iron -- 10 milligrams daily from ages 4 to 8, and 8 mg daily from ages 9 to 13.

Women need more iron because they lose blood each month during their period. That's why women from ages 19 to 50 need to get 18 mg of iron each day, while men the same age can get away with just 8 mg.

After menopause, a woman's iron needs drop as her menstrual cycle ends. After a woman begins menopause, both men and women need the same amount of iron -- 8 mg each day.