Iron is a mineral essential for good health. Iron is found in red blood cells, which help distribute oxygen to cells throughout the body. Iron is also important for energy production. You consume iron from foods like red meat, beans, whole grains and spinach. Iron supplements may be needed with certain medical conditions that make it difficult for the body to absorb enough iron. Taking too many iron supplements may lead to overdose or iron toxicity, a potentially dangerous condition.
Iron Supplementation
Anemia occurs when too little iron is found in red blood cells. Heavy bleeding from childbirth, heavy menses, surgery or injury may cause anemia. A diet poor in iron food sources may also lead to iron deficiency, which may affect up to 80 percent of the world's population, according to the University of Maryland Medical Center. Iron supplement tablets may be required if iron can't be replaced by diet alone, or if ongoing medical problems make it difficult to retain sufficient iron. Your physician will recommend a daily requirement of iron based on your gender, age and health status.
Risks
The body tends to hold on to extra iron when possible. Very little is excreted from the body, according to the Office of Dietary Supplements. This increases the risk for iron toxicity if too many iron supplements are consumed. An overdose of iron tablets allows iron to accumulate inside body tissues and organs. If body tissues are already full of iron, extra iron accumulates to a toxic level. Long term, this may lead to diabetes, liver damage and discolored skin. Pregnant women who overdose on iron may experience complications during delivery. Iron overdose may be lethal in children. The Colorado State University Extension reports that accidental iron overdose is a leading cause of poisoning death in children under the age of 6 in the United States.
Symptoms
MedlinePlus states that symptoms of iron toxicity may come and go, but will not subside completely. Children may experience symptoms within minutes of ingesting too much iron. Common iron toxicity symptoms include diarrhea that may contain blood, nausea, abdominal pain and vomiting. You may experience a metallic taste in your mouth. A fever may develop. Blood pressure and pulse changes may also occur; pulses may feel fast and weak. Call 911 immediately if you suspect iron overdose for immediate treatment.
Considerations
Consult with your physician before starting iron tablets to be sure you really need them. Take iron supplements and any vitamins containing iron according to your physician's prescription or the package directions to prevent accidental overdose. Children's vitamins containing iron should be kept in a locked space, well out of reach of children; consider keeping all medications away from children to prevent accidental ingestion and overdose.
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