Iron supplements are often recommended to individuals with iron deficiency or anemia. While these supplements can be beneficial for those who truly need them, it’s important to recognize that excessive iron intake can lead to a condition known as iron toxicity.
Iron toxicity occurs when there is an overload of iron in the body, which can have severe consequences on your health. In this article, we will discuss six dangerous symptoms that may indicate iron toxicity and why it is crucial to discontinue iron supplement usage if you experience any of these warning signs.
Signs Of Iron Toxicity
- Gastrointestinal Distress
One of the early warning signs of iron toxicity is gastrointestinal distress. Symptoms may include nausea, vomiting, abdominal pain, and diarrhea. Iron supplements can irritate the lining of the digestive system, leading to these uncomfortable symptoms. If you are experiencing persistent gastrointestinal distress after taking iron supplements, it is essential to stop taking them immediately and consult a healthcare professional.
- Fatigue and Weakness
Iron plays a vital role in oxygen transport within the body. However, excessive iron levels can hinder this process, leading to a paradoxical effect where oxygen delivery to tissues becomes impaired. Consequently, you may experience persistent fatigue, weakness, and a general lack of energy. If you notice a decline in your overall well-being and suspect it may be related to your iron supplements, discontinuing their use is crucial.
- Joint Pain and Arthritis-like Symptoms
Iron toxicity can also manifest as joint pain and arthritis-like symptoms. Excessive iron deposits in the joints can trigger inflammation, resulting in pain, stiffness, and swelling. If you have been taking iron supplements and develop persistent joint discomfort or notice an onset of arthritis-like symptoms, it is imperative to seek medical attention and cease iron supplement consumption promptly.
- Skin Discoloration
Iron overload can cause a condition called hyperpigmentation, which results in abnormal skin discoloration. You may notice a grayish or bronze hue on areas such as the face, neck, and hands. This discoloration is often more prominent in areas exposed to sunlight. If you observe any unexplained changes in your skin coloration, especially after iron supplement use, it is advisable to discontinue their intake and consult a healthcare provider.
- Liver Dysfunction
The liver is responsible for regulating iron levels in the body. However, excessive iron accumulation can strain the liver and lead to liver dysfunction. Symptoms may include abdominal pain, jaundice (yellowing of the skin and eyes), and elevated liver enzyme levels. If you experience any signs of liver dysfunction while taking iron supplements, it is crucial to stop their usage immediately and seek medical attention.
- Cardiac Complications
Iron toxicity can have severe implications on cardiovascular health. High iron levels can contribute to the formation of free radicals, which can damage the heart and blood vessels. Consequently, individuals may experience irregular heart rhythms, heart palpitations, chest pain, and shortness of breath. If you develop any cardiac symptoms while taking iron supplements, it is essential to discontinue their use and consult a healthcare professional promptly.
Iron Toxicity Causes Oxidation (Like Rust) In The Body
Iron toxicity leads to oxidation within the body which is similar to rust on the body of a car. This happens internally when too much Iron is accumulated. One way to counteract the effects of Iron toxicity is to get high quality ORAC antioxidants in your body as soon as possible. Watch this video to learn how Iron toxicity oxidizes your body:
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Iron Toxicity in Children
Iron poisoning was once the leading cause of death from medication overdose among children under age 6 in the United States. Iron poisoning is now on the decline. However, it remains a serious health risk for children.
The problem isn’t usually too much iron in the diet. Instead, the culprits tend to be iron supplements or multivitamins that look like candy. They can be very tempting to small children.
If you suspect that your child or anyone has ingested an excessive amount of iron, whether through medication or supplement overdose, it is vital to act swiftly. Iron poisoning is a potentially life-threatening emergency that requires immediate medical attention, so calling 911 is essential.
When contacting emergency services, provide them with crucial information such as the individual’s age, weight, symptoms, and any existing health conditions. Additionally, provide details about the iron product involved, including its name, other ingredients, and strength.
It is also important to indicate the amount of iron that was swallowed and the time of ingestion. Similar information is required if an adult is suspected of having iron poisoning, although it is less common in adults compared to children.
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Treatment for iron poisoning can also involve a procedure called whole bowel irrigation. This method employs a special solution that is either ingested or administered through a tube inserted via the nose into the stomach. The solution aids in flushing out the excess iron from the body.
In severe cases, chelation therapy may be necessary. This procedure involves the intravenous administration of a chemical that helps bind iron and other metals in the body, enabling their elimination through urine.
Other treatments for iron poisoning may include rehydration, particularly if there has been substantial fluid loss due to vomiting and diarrhea. In cases where breathing becomes difficult, the use of a breathing tube and a ventilation machine may be required to restore normal respiration.
Causes of Iron Poisoning
According to the Office of Dietary Supplements, ingesting iron doses higher than 35 milligrams per kilogram of body weight (mg/kg) resulted in the deaths of 43 U.S. children between 1983 and 2000. In healthy adults, symptoms can manifest by consuming as little as 20 mg/kg of elemental iron at once. Severe iron poisoning typically occurs at around 60 mg/kg and higher for both children and adults.
Elemental iron refers to the actual amount of iron present in a supplement, as it may contain other ingredients. It is crucial to carefully read the label to determine the precise amount of elemental iron in each pill.
Most cases of iron poisoning occur when individuals, often children, accidentally ingest excessive amounts of iron supplements or vitamins. Pregnant women commonly take iron supplements, and if left accessible, they can become a source of curiosity for children.
However, any iron supplement or multivitamin poses a danger to children. The popularity of gummy and chewable vitamins for adults has increased the risk of accidental poisoning.
If there are children in your household, ensure that iron supplements are stored in child-proof containers and kept out of reach.
Complications and Risks of Iron Poisoning
Without prompt treatment, iron poisoning can lead to liver failure within a few days. Additionally, bleeding or blood clotting issues may arise during this time.
Untreated iron poisoning can result in scarring of the stomach and intestines, causing significant digestive problems. Iron poisoning can also lead to permanent scarring of the liver, known as cirrhosis.
The most common causes of death resulting from iron poisoning are liver failure and shock to the circulatory system.
Outlook for Iron Poisoning
If iron poisoning is promptly treated, the likelihood of permanent damage is reduced. Early intervention within hours of the overdose can lead to the resolution of symptoms and complications within 48 hours.
However, given the potential risks of liver failure and other severe health problems, it is crucial that anyone suspected of having consumed an excessive amount of iron receives medical evaluation. Blood and urine tests can quickly determine iron levels in the body, and additional blood work may be necessary to fully assess the impact on overall health.
If you have any questions or concerns regarding a potential overdose, do not hesitate to contact the Poison Help line at 800-222-1222. Medical experts are available 24/7, and you can seek information to help prevent overdoses as well. The interactive online resource, PoisonHelp.org, can also provide valuable guidance in such situations.
A healthy amount of iron consumption is critical to the function of the brain, muscles, and red blood cells. But the body can’t metabolize high doses of iron.
While iron supplements can be beneficial for individuals with iron deficiency, it is vital to recognize the potential risks associated with iron toxicity. Getting your iron from a natural source, such as wheat or barley grass, is much safer than taking any iron supplement.
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Always consult with your healthcare provider before starting or discontinuing any supplements to ensure it aligns with your specific health needs. Remember, your health and well-being should be the top priority, and being aware of the potential dangers of iron toxicity can help you make informed decisions about your supplement intake.
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