Over consumption of iron is also linked to a condition called Iron overload.  Iron overload is an excess (too much) iron in the body.  This petition is to ask cereal makers to reduce the amount of iron added to cereals to safer levels.  

Breakfast cereals often contain 25-50 percent of the adult RDA of iron added.  Due to the fact that people consume larger portions than suggested, they are at risk for consuming excess iron.

Excess iron in vital organs, even in mild cases of iron overload, increases the risk for liver disease (cirrhosis, cancer), heart attack or heart failure, diabetes mellitus, osteoarthritis, osteoporosis, metabolic syndrome, hypothyroidism, hypogonadism and numerous symptoms, such as joint pain. Iron mismanagement resulting in overload can accelerate such neurodegenerative diseases as Alzheimer’s, early-onset Parkinson’s, Huntington’s, epilepsy and multiple sclerosis. 

Those most at risk for iron overload are toddlers, adult men and post-menopausal women.  These groups are also frequent consumers of cereal products and may consume up to twice the RDA of iron or more for their age group.

Cereal makers are urged to re-examine the amount of iron added to their products and market or package their products accordingly.