An overdose of iron supplements can be deadly.
Image Credit: s1llu/iStock/Getty Images Iron is a mineral that your body needs to function. You can get iron through the foods you eat or from a dietary supplement. If you do not have enough iron in your blood, you can develop iron-deficiency anemia. If you have too much iron in your body, however, either due to an overdose or because your body absorbs and stores too much iron, you are at risk for serious health problems.
Advertisement
Iron Overdose
An iron overdose occurs when you take too much iron, usually in the form of supplements. Facial flushing is one symptom of an iron overdose. Other symptoms include pale skin, convulsions, dizziness, headache, dehydration, shock, black stools and vomiting blood. In some cases, these symptoms may occur, then go away for a day or more, only to recur later. An iron overdose can cause death, so if you suspect that you or someone else has taken too much iron, call 911 immediately. You can also call the Poison Control Hotline at 1-800-222-1222 for advice and assistance.
Advertisement
Video of the Day
Hemochromatosis
Some people have hemochromatosis, a condition that causes the body to absorb and store too much iron. It can occur as an inherited disease, or it can be caused by alcoholism or other illnesses. Due to hemochromatosis, you may experience liver, heart or pancreas failure. Symptoms of this disorder include joint pain, arthritis, problems with the liver or pancreas, heart abnormalities and a gray or bronze tinge to the skin. The condition itself can be treated by taking blood from your body periodically, often for life. You may also need treatment for the effects of the disease on your heart, liver or pancreas.
Advertisement
Iron-Deficiency Anemia
While too much iron can cause severe health problems, too little can also affect your body negatively. You are most at risk for iron-deficiency anemia if you are a pre-menopausal woman, if you have bleeding in your digestive system or if you lose blood for any other reason. In many cases, increasing the amount of iron you consume through your diet or with supplements can help regulate your iron levels. Do not start taking iron supplements without the advice of your doctor.
Advertisement
Advertisement
Facial Flushing
Facial flushing does not necessarily mean that you have overdosed on iron. If you have not taken iron supplements and are experiencing facial flushing, it is probably caused by another condition. Stress, eating spicy foods, drinking alcohol, fever and taking certain medications may cause flushing. Hot flashes caused by hormonal changes during pregnancy and menopause may also cause uncomfortable flushing. If you have other symptoms, or if your flushing is persistent, contact your doctor.
Advertisement
Advertisement
references
Medline Plus; Iron Overdose; Jacob L. Heller, MD; January 21, 2010
Centers for Disease Control; Nutrition for Everyone: Iron and Iron Deficiency; February 23, 2011
National Digestive Disease Information Clearinghouse; Hemochromatosis; April 2007
Medline Plus; Skin Blushing/Flushing; Jonathan Kantor, M.D.; April 15, 2009
references
Medline Plus; Iron Overdose; Jacob L. Heller, MD; January 21, 2010
Centers for Disease Control; Nutrition for Everyone: Iron and Iron Deficiency; February 23, 2011
National Digestive Disease Information Clearinghouse; Hemochromatosis; April 2007
Medline Plus; Skin Blushing/Flushing; Jonathan Kantor, M.D.; April 15, 2009
An overdose of iron supplements can be deadly.
Image Credit: s1llu/iStock/Getty Images
Image Credit: s1llu/iStock/Getty Images
Medline Plus; Iron Overdose; Jacob L. Heller, MD; January 21, 2010
Centers for Disease Control; Nutrition for Everyone: Iron and Iron Deficiency; February 23, 2011
National Digestive Disease Information Clearinghouse; Hemochromatosis; April 2007
Medline Plus; Skin Blushing/Flushing; Jonathan Kantor, M.D.; April 15, 2009
