The Office of the Dietary supplements of the National Institute of Health reports that iron is essential for the regulation of cell growth and differentiation. Iron also plays an integral role in oxygen transport within the body. Iron deficiency is a health problem that may be present in approximately 30 percent of the world's population. Furthermore, the population most vulnerable to the development of iron deficiency includes pregnant women and women of child-bearing age, preterm and low-birth weight infants and patients with conditions that affect iron absorption.
Gastrointestinal Symptoms
According to MedlinePlus, intake of iron supplements is most commonly associated with gastrointestinal symptoms. Gastrointestinal symptoms may be in the form of stomach upset and pain, constipation, diarrhea, nausea and vomiting. Severe stomach and intestinal irritation associated with iron supplement intake may even cause ulcers. According to the University of Maryland Medical Center, the intake of iron supplements can also occasionally cause heart burn.
Inflammation of the intestines can also sometimes occur in patients in inflammatory bowel diseases such as Crohn's disease, a chronic and progressive inflammation of a part of the intestine characterized by bouts of diarrhea, abdominal pain, nausea, fever and weight loss, and ulcerative colitis, a serious chronic inflammation of the large intestine and rectum characterized by episodes of abdominal pain, fever and diarrhea, according to the University of Maryland Medical Center. This intestinal inflammation in inflammatory bowel diseases can be triggered by having high amounts of iron supplement intake.
Heart Disease
High intake of iron supplements may also be associated with the development of heart disease. However, according to the University of Maryland Medical Center, the evidence that supports this fact is still unclear. Thus, iron supplements should be taken only under the supervision of a knowledgeable health care provider.
Iron Overload
Iron overload, a condition characterized by excess iron in the blood, liver and heart, is a common problem in patients who have hemochromatosis, a genetic disease found in approximately one in 250 individuals of Northern European descent, according to the Office of Dietary Supplements. Patients with hemochromatosis have a very efficient iron gastrointestinal absorption which can result in the buildup of iron in the blood and in the organs. High iron levels in the bodies of patients with hemochromatosis can cause skin discoloration, diabetes, liver damage and heart dysfunction, according to the University of Maryland Medical Center.
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