Iron is an important mineral that helps your blood move oxygen around the body. An iron deficiency can cause extreme fatigue and other problems because it starves your body of oxygen. But iron supplements cause side effects and can be toxic in high doses. They can also be harmful for people with certain health conditions. Do not take iron supplements without talking to your doctor first.
Side Effects
Side effects of iron supplements include black stools, indigestion, stomach pain, nausea and vomiting. While taking iron on an empty stomach is better because it maximizes absorption, taking iron with food may ease your side effects. If you are taking liquid iron, it might stain your teeth. Drinking your iron supplement with a straw or mixing it with other liquids may prevent the problem. Brushing your teeth with baking soda or peroxide should remove the stains.
High Dose Risks
High doses of iron can be fatal, especially in children. The safe amount of iron varies with the size of the person but doses as low as 60 mg/kg can be fatal. An iron overdose can cause liver failure and dangerously low blood pressure. Symptoms of an iron overdose include bloody diarrhea; fever; nausea; sharp stomach pain; severe vomiting; a blue tinge to the lips, fingernails or palms; seizures; pale, sweaty skin; breathing problems; changes in heartbeat; and severe fatigue. Keep iron supplements out of the reach of children and call the nearest poison control center immediately if you suspect someone has taken too much iron.
Warnings
If you are pregnant or breast-feeding, do not take more than 45 mg of iron per day unless you've cleared it with your doctor. Higher doses can put the pregnancy at risk. If you have a stomach or intestinal problem, including ulcers, ulcerative colitis or Crohn's disease, iron may worsen your condition. If you have a blood condition such as thalassemia or other forms of anemia, iron supplements could cause an iron overdose. If you are caring for a premature infant, iron supplements could hurt the baby. If you have diabetes, there is some concern that taking iron supplements could increase your risk of heart disease. Other health conditions that may increase the risks of iron supplements include alcoholism, a recent blood transfusion, kidney or liver disease, rheumatoid arthritis, asthma, heart disease, or an iron overload condition like hemochromatosis, according to MayoClinic.com. If you have any of these conditions, do not take iron without consulting your doctor first.
Interactions
Iron supplements can impair the effectiveness of other medications you take, so talk to your doctor or pharmacist before taking iron supplements. Some common drugs affected by iron include antibiotics like tetracycline and penicillin, anti-seizure medications, the heart drug digoxin, Parkinson's disease drugs, thyroid disease drugs and osteoporosis medications.
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