Iron toxicity occurs when there is an excess of iron in the body, overwhelming the body's capacity to regulate and store it safely. Under normal conditions, the body maintains iron homeostasis through regulated absorption in the gut. Toxicity can result from acute overdose, often seen in accidental ingestion of iron supplements, or chronic exposure due to conditions like hemochromatosis. In such cases, free iron catalyzes the production of reactive oxygen species (ROS), leading to oxidative stress and damage to cellular components.
