Iron, zinc, copper, and many other metals are essential to healthy function of the body. When metal levels are deficient or excessive, major health problems are bound to occur. Some problems with metal absorption are acquired, while others may be present from birth due to genetic abnormalities.
No matter the underlying reason, timely diagnosis and management of the following disorders can stave off serious health issues.
Hemochromatosis causes the body to absorb too much iron. Most forms of this condition are hereditary, meaning mutated genes are transmitted from one or both parents to their child (though receiving the mutated gene from a single parent probably will not result in hemochromatosis). While iron is an essential nutrient, too much of it can lead to health complications like organ failure and diabetes over time.
A genetic disorder, Menkes disease impacts how well the body absorbs and uses copper. With this condition, mutations to a gene responsible for producing a protein that manages copper levels cause a range of symptoms in early childhood, typically between two and three months. Symptoms include seizures, slow growth, and jaundice.
People with celiac disease can develop small intestine damage due to gluten, which triggers a faulty immune response in some people. Because iron is mostly absorbed in the duodenum, or the upper part of the small intestine, damage to this area can inhibit absorption and lead to symptoms like fatigue, paleness, shortness of breath, and chest pain.
Crohn’s disease is a type of inflammatory bowel disease that causes symptoms like diarrhoea, abdominal cramping, and lack of appetite. Crohn’s can affect the absorption of zinc in a few ways. Along with decreased intake of zinc (due to food restrictions) and chronic diarrhoea, there may also be challenges in absorbing zinc within foods due to chronic intestinal inflammation.
Addressing the underlying cause of dysfunction can improve metal absorption in the body. Patients may also require nutritional supplements to keep levels elevated. With hemochromatosis, regular blood removal may be necessary to eliminate excess iron.