Iron is essential for transporting oxygen through your blood and for cell growth. If you don't consume enough iron, you may feel fatigued and be more susceptible to infections. However, getting too much iron can also be dangerous. You are unlikely to get too much iron from food alone if you are healthy, but if you take supplements you could accidentally ingest toxic amounts.
People at Increased Risk
Adult men and postmenopausal women usually have no problem meeting their iron needs through their diets, so if they take iron supplements they may develop iron toxicity. People with liver disease may not be able to effectively get rid of excess iron, and those with a condition called hemochromatosis, build up iron stores that can become toxic.
Overdose and Toxicity Symptoms
An iron overdose can cause a number of symptoms, including diarrhea, fluid in the lungs, nausea, black or bloody stools, metallic taste, vomiting blood, low blood pressure, dehydration, fast and weak pulse, dizziness, convulsions, fever, chills, shock, headache, flushing, paleness, a blue tinge to lips and fingernails or coma. These symptoms may appear to get better and then return after a day or so, so contact a doctor right away if you suspect an iron overdose.
Dose
Children can die from doses of iron as small as 200 mg. The tolerable upper intake level for iron is 40 mg per day for children from 7 months to 13 years old and 45 mg per day for people 14 and older. Doses higher than this should only be taken under the supervision of a doctor.
Considerations
Don't take iron supplements unless you are diagnosed with iron-deficiency anemia by your doctor. Iron can easily accumulate in your organs if you take too high of a dose or take unnecessary iron supplements, causing damage without many symptoms. Your doctor can tell you the appropriate dose for you and monitor your iron levels so you know when to stop taking iron supplements.
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