Iron is a vital mineral required for numerous biological processes in the human body, including oxygen transport and cell growth. People commonly take iron supplements to avoid developing an iron deficiency. While iron supplements are generally safe when taken at the right dose, overdosing on iron can cause serious side effects, including dizziness. Like any health supplement, consult your doctor before taking iron supplements.
Dizziness
Taking too much iron can lead to several symptoms affecting the nervous system, including dizziness, reports MedlinePlus. Additional neurological symptoms of iron toxicity include chills, fever, headache, lethargy and drowsiness. In severe cases, convulsions and coma may occur. Iron overdoses may be fatal to small children; iron poisoning is the single largest cause of poisoning deaths among children under the age of six, reports the Linus Pauling Institute at Oregon State University.
Gastrointestinal Symptoms
Gastrointestinal symptoms are often the first signs of iron poisoning. Abdominal pain, nausea and vomiting may develop within 1 to 6 hours of ingesting a large dose of iron, explains the Linus Pauling Institute. Black or bloody, tar-looking stools may occur, sometimes as diarrhea. In addition, a distinct metallic taste may develop in the mouth.
Additional Symptoms
Other possible symptoms of iron overdose include dehydration, a fast, weak pulse and low blood pressure. In some cases, shock may develop and fluids may accumulate in the lungs. The lips and fingernails may turn bluish in color, and skin may turn very pale. In some cases, symptoms disappear after an hour, then return one day later, warns MedlinePlus.
Dose
The tolerable upper intake level of iron has been set at 40 mg per day for all children up to 13 years old, while the upper intake level for all adolescents and adults over the age of 13 is 45 mg per day. Doses of 200 mg have been reported to cause death in children, advises the Office of Dietary Supplements of the National Institutes of Health. Severe symptoms often begin with doses of 20 to 60 mg per kg of body weight, warns the Linus Pauling Institute.
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