Iron is one of the most essential minerals within your body. You ingest iron from food sources such as red meat. Iron is found in the hemoglobin, a protein in red blood cells, and in myoglobin in muscle cells. Iron is necessary for transporting oxygen and carbon dioxide. A lack of iron can cause a condition known as anemia, in which the body does not have enough iron to transport oxygen throughout the body. However, while iron is important to the body, the use of iron supplements can have side effects and dangerous complications.
Uses
People can have many reasons to take iron supplements. People with an iron deficiency take iron to boost their oxygen levels and ward off some of the symptoms of anemia such as pale skin, fatigue and shortness of breath upon exertion. MedlinePlus explains that iron can improve the effectiveness of medicines such as epoetin alfa as well as help to build red blood cells in people undergoing chemotherapy or dialysis treatments. You should always consult your physician before beginning any supplement regimen.
Dosage
You can purchase over-the-counter iron supplements or your physician may prescribe higher doses if necessary. Iron is best absorbed on an empty stomach with juice or water. However, iron can upset the stomach so it is OK to take with food or following a meal. Adults need approximately 10 to 15 mg per day and children age 4 to 10 need 10 mg per day. Children younger than 3 years need 6 to 10 mg per day. Pregnant women need double their normal amounts of iron, or 30 mg, though breast-feeding women can take only 15 mg per day, according to MayoClinic.com. If you are being treated for an iron deficiency, your physician will determine the proper amounts necessary to quickly improve iron levels.
Side Effects
Taking iron supplements may cause side effects in some people. MayoClinic.com explains that common side effects of iron supplements include chest pain, fainting, dizziness, flushing, metallic taste, numbness and tingling in the extremities, facial flushing, headache, fever, chills and rapid heartbeat. In some cases, you may also experience abdominal pain and stomach cramping or soreness. Some iron supplements can cause chronic constipation leading to a potential bowel obstruction.
Iron Overload
Most healthy people only retain about 10 percent of the iron they get from food. Some people have a disease known as hemochromatosis that causes them to absorb up to 30 percent of iron, according to the National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases. For these people, taking too much iron can lead to a condition known as iron overload.
Complications
When you ingest more iron than needed, your body begins to store the excess iron in the organs, most commonly the liver. Over time, this can lead to organ damage causing the heart, liver and pancreas to fail as well as liver scarring known as cirrhosis, liver damage, liver disease and even cancer of the liver.
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