Iron is a mineral used by the body to make hemoglobin and other proteins necessary for oxygen transport. People who are iron deficient may develop anemia, a condition characterized by fatigue, decreased performance, slow cognitive and social development in children and decreased immunity. Adults and children with iron-deficiency anemia may be prescribed iron supplements. Unfortunately, many families are unaware of how toxic iron supplements can be to young children.
What is Iron Toxicity?
According to the National Institutes of Health Office of Dietary Supplements, proteins in the body store iron for future needs. The body excretes very little iron, causing it to accumulate in the tissues and organs. When the body senses an iron overload, absorption is decreased to protect against toxicity Unfortunately, once too much iron has accumulated in the body, toxicity will occur. Iron is toxic to the central nervous system, cardiovascular system and gastrointestinal system.
Cause
The most common cause of iron toxicity in children is accidental overdose of iron supplements. In fact, accidental iron overdose is the leading cause of poisoning deaths in children under six in the United States. According to Kids Growth, younger children may find iron supplements especially appealing because they look like candy. Iron toxicity can occur in children who have taken as few as five iron supplements. Death from iron toxicity can occur from taking 200 mg of iron or more.
Symptoms
Children suffering from iron toxicity may experience both immediate and long-term problems. Initial symptoms of iron toxicity include nausea, vomiting, diarrhea and gastrointestinal bleeding. If left untreated, these symptoms may progress to shock, coma and death. Within 12 hours to two days after toxicity occurs, a child who appears to have recovered may experience severe gastrointestinal bleeding, lethargy, liver damage, heart failure and coma. Even three to six weeks after the initial event, gastrointestinal obstruction and additional liver damage can occur.
Treatment
Iron toxicity is a serious, life-threatening condition requiring immediate emergency medical care. There are several different treatments available, depending on the severity of intoxication. If only a small amount of iron is ingested, a doctor may recommend just observing the child. Children who have taken larger doses of iron may be given Syrup of Ipecac, made to vomit, or undergo gastric lavage. Children with severe iron toxicity may undergo chelation therapy with a drug called deferoxamine. Deferoxamine works by binding free iron in the blood, thus forming a water-soluble compound that is excreted in the urine.
Prevention
To prevent accidental iron poisoning, iron supplements should be kept out of reach of young children, preferably in a locked cabinet. According to Kids Growth, childproof medicine containers are not always effective if a child is determined to get at the pills inside. Caregivers, such as babysitters, should be educated about the importance of keeping medications out of a child's reach. In addition, children should also be taught about the dangers of taking medications, such as iron supplements.
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