Iron is a mineral needed for healthy blood and muscle function, according to MedlinePlus. It helps carry oxygen to all the cells of your body, among other vital functions. People use iron supplements primarily to treat or prevent iron deficiency, which can lead to anemia, a serious condition that causes extreme fatigue. Iron is mostly safe in appropriate doses but overly high doses can be fatal. Talk to your doctor about taking iron supplements.
Common Side Effects
Even at safe doses, iron does tend to cause digestive side effects, according to MedlinePlus. Upset stomach and stomachache are common as are constipation, diarrhea, nausea and vomiting. Stools may turn dark green or black, which is harmless. Leg cramps and darkened urine are also possible. If you are taking injections of iron, your skin may discolor and turn brown. These stains will fade after you stop taking the supplement. If you are taking liquid supplements, they may blacken your teeth.
Iron Poisoning
Iron overdose is the most common cause of poisoning deaths in children, who are vulnerable to the problem because of their small size, according to MedlinePlus. Do not exceed the recommended dose that is appropriate for you or your child, which is determined by age and size. Iron poisoning can cause liver failure, intense stomach problems, sudden drops in blood pressure and death. Early symptoms of overdose are severe diarrhea or vomiting, which may be bloody; fever; nausea and sharp stomach pain. These can be followed by later symptoms, including severe weakness or fatigue; breathing difficulties; pale or clammy skin; a blue tinge to the lips, fingernails and palms; and convulsions. If you suspect an overdose, seek immediate emergency medical care.
Precautions
Iron can irritate and worsen the symptoms of some digestive diseases, including ulcers, ulcerative colitis and Crohn's disease, according to MedlinePlus. If you have a disease that affects hemoglobin, like thalassemia, taking iron supplements could cause too much iron to build up in your system and lead to complications. Giving iron supplements to premature infants could cause serious problems. High doses of iron, when not taken to cure a deficiency, may cause problems in pregnancy. Some research indicates that a high intake of iron could increase the risk of heart disease, particularly in those with diabetes, but this is unproven and there is conflicting evidence on the matter. If you have any of these conditions, talk to your doctor before taking iron supplements. Do not take high dose iron supplements for more than six months without consulting your doctor as some people with underlying medical conditions can gradually become poisoned by doing so, according to MayoClinic.com.
Interactions
Iron can impair the effectiveness of a number of prescription drugs, according to MedlinePlus. Try not to combine iron with antibiotics, bisphosphonates for osteoporosis, levodopa, levothyroxine, methyldopa, mycophenolate mofetil and penicillamine. You may be able to reduce the problem by taking iron at different times from your prescription but you should talk to your doctor about the safest course of action. Do not take iron pills if you are receiving iron injections as that can cause iron poisoning. Do not combine iron pills with nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs like ibuprofen, which are common in many over-the-counter painkillers. These painkillers can cause stomach distress, as can iron, and the combination raises the risk of stomach upset.
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