John E wrote:

Hi Folks,

It appears that low carbing can elevate the iron level.

What are the consequences of having high iron?

What can you do to reduce the iron level due to low carbing?

What are the symptoms when someone is high in iron?

Does working out reduce iron level?

Thanks,

J

Low carbing doesn't elevate iron levels at all.

The reason this is touted is that *some* people who low carb, compensate
for the carbs in their diet with red meat, or other foods that are
higher in iron concentrations.

Low carbing has way too many connotations, ranging from Atkin's ketosis
inducing extreme low carb, to simply reducing unnecessary carbs, and all
permutations in between. The reports of increased iron are generated
from tests of those who try to eliminate almost all carbs and end up
with a high iron diet. Red meats have a higher iron content than fish,
and as all low carbers don't necessarily eat nothing but red meat, not
all are at risk over raising their iron level to a dangerous state. In
many cases, low carbing can reduce iron levels, if cereals are removed
from the diet and more fish is added.

If you check the FDA food values, or FitDay, you will find that 100
grams of canned fish has an average of 7% of the daily requirement for
iron, whereas a 100 grams of beef steak has 14%, about double. Cereals
such as Oats, or Cornflake have more than a 300% of the RDA. Draw your
own conclusions.

Regardless of the reasons why iron might be elevated, and there are
many, reducing iron levels is simple. Donate blood on a regular basis.

But have a lab test beforehand to ascertain that you do have high iron
levels. Even so, donating blood isn't a bad thing.


Regards

David