Table 3.

Effects of iron overload on bone health in humans.

Subjects		Main Results	Ref.
Hemochromatosis	Men, n = 38 (13% hypogonadal)	79% osteopenic; 34% osteoporotic	[61]
Hemochromatosis	Adults, n = 87	41% osteopenic; 25% osteoporotic, Lower BMD and decrease in bone formation in patients with higher tissue iron	[75]
Thalassemia	Adults, n = 80. BMD	Negative association between ferritin levels and BMD	[76]
Thalassemia	All, n = 702; n = 312, BMD	Thalassemia major 17% fracture; thalassemia intermedia 12%	[77]
Thalassemia	Adults, n = 41	41% osteoporosis	[78]
Thalassemia	Children, n = 18	61% low bone mass	[79]
Sickle cell anemia	Adults, n = 17	47% osteopenia; hepatic iron and serum ferritin higher in osteopenic than non-osteopenic patients	[80]