Iron is an essential mineral required for the human body to function properly. It is relatively abundant in your body, but is also found in food and dietary supplements. Iron is necessary for the transport of oxygen by red blood cells, muscle function, metabolism and energy production. Iron supplements are available for individuals who cannot consume enough iron in their diet or who suffer from iron deficiency anemia. However, consuming high levels of iron from supplements may lead to potentially life-threatening conditions.
Recommended Intake
The Food and Nutrition Board at the Institute of Medicine has established recommended dietary allowances for iron based on the prevention of deficiency and maintenance of adequate iron stores. Adult men ages 19 to 50 require 8 mg of iron per day and adult women 18 mg of iron per day. After the age of 50, both adult men and women require 8 mg of iron each day. Iron needs are higher during pregnancy, when women need 27 mg of iron daily. The Institute of Medicine has also determined tolerable upper intake levels for iron. This is the highest level at which iron will not cause a toxicity and is considered safe. For adults age 19 and older, this level is 45 mg of iron per day.
Iron Supplements
Iron supplementation is indicated when iron stores are severely depleted and you cannot consume enough dietary iron to replace stores within an acceptable time frame. Oral iron supplementation is of particular importance for patients with clinical signs of iron deficiency anemia. It is important to take iron supplements under the close supervision of your doctor, as accidental overdose of iron-containing products is life-threatening.
Acute Symptoms
Initial symptoms of an iron toxicity may occur with doses of 20 mg to 60 mg per kg of body weight. Within the first six hours of ingestion, an iron overdose can result in nausea, vomiting, abdominal pain, tarry stools, weak and rapid pulse, low blood pressure, fever, irritability, unconsciousness, dizziness, lethargy, difficult breathing and even coma. If the initial overdose is not fatal, these symptoms may subside and your condition can appear to improve. However, delayed signs of iron toxicity will return within 12 to 48 hours after iron ingestion.
Long-Term Effects
Iron toxicity symptoms that return after 12 to 48 hours typically include very low blood pressure, fever, bleeding, blood clotting abnormalities, low blood glucose, jaundice, shock, seizures. Long-term iron toxicity will result in multi-system organ failure, affecting the kidneys, lungs, cardiovascular, liver, hepatic and central nervous systems. These organs will accumulate iron, shut down and can eventually result in death.
Treatment
If you experience an iron supplement overdose, you need to seek medical attention immediately. The severity of iron toxicity is dependent upon your overall health status, body size and the amount of iron absorbed. Once at the hospital, your health care provider will want to measure your vital signs and monitor the amount of iron in your blood. Iron overdose symptoms will be treated accordingly.
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