Iron is essential to your body. Most iron is stored in red blood cells along with hemoglobin. Your body needs iron to allow the red blood cells to circulate oxygen to the cells and tissues. Iron also helps produce adenosine triphosphate, or ATP, your body's source for energy. Any extra iron is stored in the liver, spleen, muscles and bone marrow. There are three types of iron supplements: ferrous sulfate, ferrous gluconate and ferrous fumarate. Physicians often prescribe iron supplements to people who have a common disorder known as iron-deficiency anemia.
Side Effects
Like many supplements, there are side effects associated with iron supplements. The most common side effects include chills, dizziness, fainting, rapid heart rate, fever, increased sweating, flushing, headaches, metallic taste and chest pain. Some people may notice numbness, pain or tingling in the extremities, swelling of the mouth and throat, trouble breathing and nausea and vomiting. In some cases, abdominal pain and stomach cramping may occur, according to MayoClinic.com. You should alert your physician to any adverse affect following taking any iron supplement.
Iron Overdose
Taking too many iron supplements can cause a life-threatening reaction. During an iron overdose, fluids can build up within the lungs causing airway restriction known as pulmonary edema. Gastrointestinal conditions such as black or bloody stools, diarrhea, metallic taste, nausea, vomiting and even liver damage may occur. People may experience low blood pressure, rapid, weak pulses, shock and dehydration. Skin on the lips and under the fingernails can take on a bluish-color or pale skin.
An iron overdose can affect the nervous system as well causing chills, convulsions, dizziness, drowsiness, fever, headache and lack of desire. The University of Maryland Medical Center explains that people may fall into a coma within 30 minutes to an hour after overdose. An iron overdose is a medical emergency and people should contact poison control or emergency services immediately.
Iron Overload
While an iron overdose occurs from taking a lot of iron in a short amount of time, iron overload is a chronic condition that occurs over time. Most often, iron overload occurs due to a condition known as hemochromatosis, a genetic condition that causes the body to absorb too much iron. Excess iron is stored in the liver. Over time, as the iron builds up within the organs, it causes inflammation, damage and scarring. If a person does not receive treatment for iron overload, it can lead to liver damage, cirrhosis, heart disease, diabetes arthritis and infertility, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.
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