The body depends on balance, and even essential nutrients can become harmful when they build up. These conditions that are caused by excess—whether it’s iron, red blood cells, fat, or even vitamins—can develop slowly, causing silent damage over time.
The good news? In less than an hour, a Prenuvo whole body MRI can help detect symptoms that may be early signs of imbalances caused by nutrient overload. And with early detection, many of these conditions can be managed before they escalate.
Here are 5 conditions brought on by “too much of a good thing” to watch out.
1. Too Much Iron – Hemochromatosis
What it is: This is a condition that occurs when the body stores too much iron. In hemochromatosis, excess iron can be stored in the organs, such as the liver, pancreas and heart.
What causes it: Hemochromatosis affects more than one million Americans per year and presents in two different forms. The most common cause of this iron overload is a genetic form called primary hereditary hemochromatosis, which is also referred to as classical hemochromatosis. The other type, secondary hemochromatosis, can be caused by blood transfusions, anemia, liver disease, overconsumption of iron pills or iron injections. It can also be the result of medical treatments, such as kidney dialysis over a long period of time.
What it can lead to: Left untreated, hemochromatosis can lead to serious conditions down the line, such as liver disease, diabetes, arthritis, reproductive system dysfunction, discolored skin, and heart issues.
How it can be detected early: Prenuvo’s whole body MRI can help detect symptoms of iron accumulation and damage to organs, such as the liver. And our Enhanced Screening has the potential to help confirm a diagnosis with blood tests measuring ferritin and transferrin saturation.
2. Too Much Calcium: Hypercalcemia
What it is: If you are diagnosed with hypercalcemia, it means that you have too much calcium in your blood.
What causes it: Hypercalcemia affects an estimated 1% to 2% of the general population, with 90% of cases occurring due to hyperparathyroidism (where one or more of the parathyroid glands produce too much parathyroid hormone) and cancer-related hypercalcemia. It can also occur from dehydration, excessive intake of vitamin D, A or calcium supplements, or as a result of some prescription medications such as those prescribed for high blood pressure or edema.
What it can lead to: People with milder conditions may not exhibit symptoms, and in later stages, this could manifest as frequent thirst and urination, stomach and digestive upset, weakened bones and muscle pain, brain fog, a fast-beating or pounding heart. Untreated or diagnosed in later stages, hypercalcemia can lead to complications such as kidney failure, decreased bone density, osteoporosis, and fractures.
How it can be detected early: A Prenuvo whole body MRI can help detect symptoms of calcification in soft tissue, while blood labs can check current calcium and parathyroid hormone (PTH) levels.
3. Too Many Red Blood Cells: Polycythemia Vera
What it is: This rare blood disorder occurs when a person’s bone marrow produces too many red blood cells.
What causes it: A Polycythemia diagnosis is most common in men over 60 – and more prominent in men than women in general –but can be diagnosed in anyone. An estimated 95% of cases are caused by a non-inherited gene mutation that affects proteins that work in signaling pathways in cells and develops for an unknown reason throughout a person’s lifetime. It’s also thought that exposure to toxins or intense radiation may also increase one’s chances of developing the condition.
What it can lead to: Polycythemia Vera (PCV) can cause your blood to thicken, which leads to issues with blood flow and circulation throughout the body. This can potentially lead to blood clots forming in blood vessels and in more severe cases, tissues and organ damage, heart attack, and strokes.
How it can be detected early: A whole body MRI can assess the spleen and help identify early physiological changes in the bone marrow—known as bone marrow reconversion—which may signal PCV or other hematological conditions. In addition, blood tests that measure hematocrit and hemoglobin can help support diagnosis. If recommended, further testing may include a bone marrow biopsy or genetic analysis of blood cells for relevant mutations.
4. Too Much Fat: NAFLD (Non-Alcoholic Fatty Liver Disease)
What it is: Non-Alcholic Fatty Liver Disease (NAFLD) occurs when excess fat builds up in the liver.
What causes it: One major contributor is excess sugar, in particular high-fructose corn syrup and added sugars. Conditions such as obesity, type 2 diabetes, high blood pressure, high cholesterol, and metabolic syndrome can make you more prone to developing NAFLD. Some studies have also linked sleep apnea to putting people at increased risk.
What it can lead to: NAFLD is often known as a silent disease, meaning it doesn’t exhibit any symptoms until it advances into further complications. It’s a very common disease, as it’s estimated that it affects 25% of the global population.
How it can be detected early: Prenuvo’s whole body MRI can help detect symptoms of early-stage fat accumulation and liver texture changes. Bloodwork may show elevated liver enzymes.
Recommended Reading: Prenuvo detected hepatic steatosis (fatty liver disease) in a 42-year old male)
5. Too Much Vitamin D: Hypervitaminosis
What it is: Also known as vitamin toxicity, this condition can occur when the body’s vitamin stores are unusually high.
What causes it: This form of nutrient overload can be especially sparked by over intake of fat-soluble vitamins like A, D, E, and K. The condition is rare, for instance, there are around 4,500 cases of vitamin D toxicity per year in the United States. But supplement culture may be driving an increase in cases.
What it can lead to: Hypervitaminosis from excess vitamin D can lead to hypercalcemia (a calcium build up in the blood), which can cause an upset stomach, vomiting, weakness, frequent urination, bone pain, and kidney issues.
How it can be detected early: A Prenuvo whole body MRI can help detect kidney damage and soft tissue changes. And our Enhanced Screening includes labs for vitamin D, calcium, and kidney function, which can help you to see if you’ve experienced any issues from absorbing excess nutrients. While overdoing vitamin A can lead to issues with the skin, bone and joint pain and neurological problems.
How can Prenuvo help you identify symptoms of “too much” conditions early?
Conditions caused by nutrient overload or internal imbalances can develop quietly and often don’t cause obvious symptoms. They also may not appear on routine exams, meaning they might not be caught until damage has already been done.
Prenuvo’s whole body MRI provides a comprehensive look at your current health, with the ability to help detect early signs of organ stress — such as liver changes, soft tissue calcifications, or vascular anomalies. When paired with our Enhanced Screening, which includes a body composition analysis, advanced brain assessment, and blood tests for 50+ biomarkers, you get an explanation of what may be happening beneath the surface — from iron overload to hidden inflammation.
Prenuvo helps you stay ahead of your health by helping explain what’s happening on the inside, before it becomes a problem on the outside.
Recommended Reading: Early cancer detection screens aren’t just for high-risk people
To learn more about the benefits of a Prenuvo whole body MRI or the Enhanced Screening option, book a call with our team.
