Iron is a mineral required by the body to produce red blood cells. Without it, the body cannot develop enough blood cells to sustain good health, as explained by the Mayo Clinic. Too much iron can be as harmful as a lack of iron. Excess iron in the body can be the result of accidental or intentional overdose of iron supplements or the lack of processing of iron by the liver. Medications and health issues can contribute to the body's inability to adequately metabolize iron. Whether taking an iron supplement or consuming iron naturally in food, the symptoms of excess iron are the same.
Side Effects of Iron Consumption
The Mayo Clinic points out that excess iron consumption can lead to backache, groin pain, pain in the side, muscle pain, chest pain, chills, dizziness, fainting, rapid heartbeat, fever and sweating, flushing of the skin, headache, metallic taste in the mouth, nausea, vomiting, numbness of the hands or feet, tingling in the hands or feet, pain in the hands or feet, redness of the skin, skin rash or hives, swelling of the mouth or throat or labored breathing. The two most common side effects are pain, cramping or soreness in the abdomen or stomach.
Overdose Symptoms
The Mayo Clinic identifies several early signs of overdose when using iron supplements. These include diarrhea with or without blood, fever, nausea, sharp pain in the stomach and severe vomiting that may contain blood. The Mayo Clinic indicates that symptoms of an iron overdose may not occur for up to 60 minutes or more but individuals should not wait to seek medical attention.
The Mayo Clinic identifies the following as late signs of iron overdose: convulsions, pale and clammy skin, rapid breathing, shallow breathing, unusual tiredness or weakness, a weakened and rapid heartbeat and/or a bluish tint to lips, fingernails and palms.
Iron Buildup
As iron levels rise in the body the symptoms or health issues may increase. Individuals may experience constipation, diarrhea, leg cramps, darkening of the urine, heartburn and stained teeth. The National Institutes of Health (NIH) suggest several other side effects that may occur as iron builds up in the body. These include the buildup of fluid in the lungs, black and/or bloody stools, liver damage, dehydration, reduced blood pressure, shock, coma and a lack of desire to do anything.
Hemochromatosis
Hemochromatosis is a genetic disorder that leads to iron overload. It causes those who carry the gene to absorb three to four times more iron from food sources than normal, according to the National Digestive Diseases Information Clearinghouse (NIDDK). Much like the symptoms of iron buildup and overdose, hemochromatosis can cause several side effects. The most common, according to the NIDDK, include arthritis, enlarged liver, cirrhosis of the liver, liver cancer, liver failure, damage to the pancreas, increased risk of diabetes, heart abnormalities, impotence, early menopause, changes in skin pigment causing a gray or bronze coloration, thyroid deficiency and/or damage to the adrenal glands.
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