Although iron is a mineral that is required for the human body to function properly, consuming iron in excess can cause too much iron to build up in body tissues and organs. This can lead to iron toxicity; a condition that long-term can cause organ damage, cirrhosis of the liver, heart disease, liver cancer, diabetes or joint disease, according to the National Human Genome Research Institute. Short-term side effects from ingesting too much supplemental iron include constipation, nausea, vomiting or diarrhea, according to the Office on Dietary Supplements. Daily iron requirements for adults vary based on age and gender.
Age
Children, adult men of all ages and women over 50 have an increased risk for iron toxicity from iron supplements because their daily iron requirements are lower. Children should only be given an iron supplement if recommended by a pediatrician and should be kept away from all iron-containing supplements. Women over 50 have lower iron requirements than women under 50 or pregnant women, since they are more likely to be post-menopausal. According to the Office on Dietary Supplements, babies and children younger than 14 years old should not exceed 40mg of iron per day, while children over 13 years old and adults should not exceed 45mg of iron per day to help prevent iron toxicity. People who are iron-deficient may require additional iron to help build up iron stores in their body.
Gender
Men are at an increased risk for iron toxicity compared to menstruating or pregnant women. Men typically do not require supplemental iron since the Recommended Dietary Allowance for iron for men is only 8mg per day, unless they do not eat iron-rich foods such as meat. Men who take iron supplements in amounts that exceed the tolerable upper intake recommended by the Office of Dietary Supplements are at an increased risk for iron toxicity.
Hemochromatosis
People with a condition called hemochromatosis have an increased risk for iron toxicity. Hemochromatosis is a genetic condition that causes too much iron to be absorbed in the body, which can lead to iron overload or toxicity. Treatment for hemochromotosis includes phlebotomy, or ridding the body of excess iron by removing a pint of blood regularly, and avoiding iron or vitamin C supplements, according to the National Digestive Diseases Information Clearinghouse.
Iron Supplements
Although consuming recommended amounts of iron from supplements is generally safe, consuming more than the recommended tolerable upper intake for iron can be problematic and potentially lead to iron toxicity. Iron is typically present in multivitamins, prenatal vitamins and other forms of iron supplements. Ingesting too much iron from diet alone is unlikely.
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