Signs & Symptoms Of Too Much Iron In Infants

A healthy diet gives infants plenty of iron, making supplements unnecessary, according to registered dietitian, Joan Salge Blake, in her book "Nutrition and You." Avoid the dangers of iron overdose by feeding your child a balanced diet and not giving her supplements unless directed by a physician. If your child accidentally eats iron supplements, overdose symptoms include vomiting, abdominal pain, fever and diarrhea. If you suspect iron toxicity, take your child to the emergency room immediately, if you suspect iron toxicity. Physicians provide supportive care and take measures such as whole bowel irrigation to reduce toxicity and prevent permanent damage.

Definition

Iron toxicity, or iron overdose, is the most common form of poisoning in children, according to the University of Maryland Medical Center. Iron is more toxic than other nutrients because it does not flush out of your system as easily. Male and female infants age 7 to 9 months only need 11mg. of iron each day. Ingesting as little as 200 mg. of iron may result in infant death, according to National Institutes of Health.

Early Symptoms

Signs and symptoms occurring in the first 20 minutes of iron overdose, include nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, abdominal pain and hypotension. Hypotension means low blood pressure and may involve dizziness and fainting. Hematemesis, or vomiting blood, may occur due to iron's corrosive effect on the digestive tract. If your infant has none of these symptoms in the first six hours, iron toxicity is unlikely.

Latent Period

Contact a doctor if an overdose is possible, even if symptoms seem to go away. Iron toxicity sometimes has a latent period, when early symptoms such as vomiting or dizziness may lessen or disappear. Even though symptoms go away, your child may still experience systemic failure. The latent period takes place between six and 24 hours after overdose. Therefore, improvement in symptoms between six and 24 hours after iron ingestion may be either good or bad.

Late Symptoms

Late symptoms of overdose, beginning after six hours and lasting as long as 24 hours, include hypotension, tachycardia, vasoconstriction and shock.Tachycardia means rapid heart rate, and vasoconstriction means narrowing of blood vessels. Shock is a life-threatening reduction in blood pressure. In severe cases, organ failure, especially liver failure, occurs within 12 to 48 hours after ingestion.