Iron is a naturally occurring mineral that is present in a variety of food sources, such as beef, tofu, spinach and oatmeal. Iron can also be taken as a pill or as part of a multivitamin to supplement your normal diet. While an iron deficiency can lead to health problems, such as anemia, too much iron in your diet can also cause problems. Iron toxicity can occur when you have too much iron in your diet, leading to iron accumulation within the tissues and organs of your body. Iron toxicity requires immediate medical attention and may require hospitalization to provide the appropriate treatment. Iron toxicity can cause a range of symptoms throughout the body, including the intestinal tract and the skin.
Gastrointestinal Symptoms
If you develop iron toxicity, the first symptoms you may begin to experience include nausea or vomiting. Individuals with iron toxicity often experience abdominal pain accompanied by diarrhea or black or bloody stools. Certain individuals may also notice a metallic taste in the mouth. If you experience any of these symptoms, it is important that you seek medical care as soon as possible.
Constitutional Symptoms
If you develop iron toxicity, you may develop a number of symptoms throughout your body. Fever and chills are common signs of iron toxicity, but may also be indicative of an unrelated infection or illness. You may also experience dizziness or headache. In the event that you have taken an overdose of iron, serious symptoms such as loss of consciousness or coma may develop in as little as 30 minutes. You may also feel confused or tired and may have difficulty completing your normal daily activities. Liver malfunction or failure is also possible, depending upon the levels of iron within your body. Overdosing on iron can be serious and requires immediate medical attention to avoid permanent damage.
Skin Symptoms
If you develop iron toxicity, you may notice changes in the appearance of your skin. Some individuals, especially children, may develop a bluish tint of the lips or fingernails. Flushing--which causes your face to become reddish in color--may also occur. Depending on the extent of iron toxicity, certain individuals may notice that their skin appears pale or white. These symptoms may disappear after a couple of hours, but will return within a day or two. If you experience any of these symptoms, it is important for you to seek medical care as soon as possible.
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