Iron is a mineral whose primary function is to carry oxygen in the body, by way of hemoglobin in the blood and of myoglobin in the muscles. The body increases or decreases iron absorption according to its need. Including vitamin C -ascorbic acid in one’s daily meal increases iron absorption. The body absorbs iron better when iron stores are anyway low, or pregnancy. At the same time one should also be aware of iron’s toxic ability to harm an individual.
Iron-deficiency leads to anemia. And the symptoms such as fatigue, shortness of breath, pale skin, concentration problems, dizziness, a weakened immune system, and energy loss are generally observed. This happens because the amount of hemoglobin in the bloodstream gets reduced and since oxygen is not efficiently transported to tissues and organs throughout the body the symptoms start to surface.
The first effect of iron overdose is irritation and ulceration of the stomach lining. Which in turn can results in nausea, abdominal pain and vomiting after around 20 minutes of ingestion. When too much iron gets into the bloodstream, it goes to all the organs and can damage the stomach, liver, kidneys, lungs, blood vessels and brain.
Another thing worth keeping in mind while we are discussing anemia is that an individual may actually be iron-loaded and need iron removed despite the anemia. The anemia should be treated with B vitamins, especially B12, B6 and folic acid. Many patients with anemia are dying of iron overload, because their doctors prescribe more iron, which is actually works against them.
People, especially the older lot have been seen to overdose on iron. It is important to keep in mind that excess iron is a greater risk than iron deficiency. In a survey done in the US, it was found that more patients complaint of excessive intake of iron than its deficiency.
Iron overdose can damage heart and brain and other storage sites in the body and lead to heart attack or stroke. People suffering from Haemochromatosis also face many such problems. This situation is generally seen in men above 35 and postmenopausal women. In this condition the body has no way to get rid of excess iron. And this excess iron storage can lead to atherosclerosis and ischemic heart disease. Severe iron overload, which causes liver and heart damage, can occur in people suffering from haemochromatosis. The symptoms include skin pigmentation, diabetes, enlargement of the spleen and liver, heart failure, and general weakness and lassitude.
If iron overdose is reported one should immediately contact the Poison Control Center, even if the patient is doing fine. It is for the poison specialist to decide if treatment is necessary or not. Treatment for overdose of iron or iron poisoning may include removing iron from the stomach. Another way to treat iron overdose is by giving a chelating agent, which binds up the iron in the bloodstream, and helps eliminate excessive iron from the body.
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I really must thank you enlightening me on the purpose or function of iron in the body. I will remember when I mention iron to my clients it plays such an important part.
Its also interesting to note that on the symptom of anemia mentioned and how to avoid it.
I have been feeling dizzy lately and a few of those symptoms are present in my condition. I shall have to go for a blood test and check my iron levels out as well as my LDL and HDL levels next week. thanks Claude
Hey Claude I noticed a comment on you referring iron to your clients and wanted to ask a few questions. Are you a health professional??
Four years later? You think he gonna reply?!
Stop trying to play hero, Chevy
lol
I seconded that LOLD. haha
Third Lol’ed.
Fourth the LOLS.
this is getting redicilous.
hahaha loled again
Thank you for the knowledge. I really wanted to help a woman friend of mine ,who is 6o yrs old . She was hospitalized due of weakening ,dizzyness ,fatique. Doctors diagnosed her wt liver serosis.
I am very thank full to you for such an important and usefull post about function of iron and the symptom of anemia.
thanks
smith
I am recovering from iron overdose from supplements because they were recommended (but obviously not necessary). My symptoms included nausea, stomach aches and vomiting. Thankfully I was able to find what these where symptoms of before there was further and more fatal signs. I stopped taking them 4 days ago & my nausea is almost gone. (I still get a little nauseous with iron rich foods.)
It is crucial that we educate ourselves of possible side effects of all vitamins & supplements so we are aware when they occur.
Thanks,
Laura
It seems that the symptoms of iron overdose are the same as iron deficiency. How does a person know which is which? On my blood draw under “complete blood count” CBC
HGB, HCT, MCV, MCH, MCHC, are all low. But EOSIN % Auto is high (slightly) What does that mean? What are the accuall words for the abreviations listed above? Also, does a loss of blood due to severe menstral bleeding cause an iron overdose or loss? Can these things also affect your cholesterol levels? If so can they affect certain kinds of cholesterol? Who should I ask? Doctors are all in such a hurry it is hard to get them to stop long enough to talk to you.
Will iron overdose can kill a man. How it is possible.
I am a 35yr women who in her teen was told have ‘begining of anemia’ now is anemia. This page has open my eyes! After been told by my physician a week a go that I have amenia I felt blind folded. Not knowing what cause it and what are the symptoms of anemia? What those it matter if any? I told the dr. can I just eat food with iron instead of those horrible pills? The Dr. open her eyes wide and say ‘No, you have to take iron!’ Of course I whent my marri way. Oh yeah, whatever, this ‘Iron’ is going to give me more problem than anything. I AM sooooooooo HAPPY you wrote this articulo on Iron overdose and the symptoms of having anemia. After reading your articulo NOW I understand WHY I shortness of breath, was tired, fatigue, palpitation and moreover I COULD NOT CONCENTRATED AND FOCUS. JEEZZZZZ!!! Would it have hurt my Dr. to let me know this little secret like why and what.
and lots of water creast, beets, lentils, and ONLY one dose of the liquide Iron. I like this better, than Iron day in and day out. At least this way I can still have milk and cheese… smiling
Well now that I went crazy and vent I feel even better… LOL
Thank You sooooooooo muchhhhhhhhh!!!!!!!
Now I prescribe my self: B12 and B6am, Orange to help absorbe
Just be careful because the liquid iron can stain your teeth. Unless there is a specific reason not to, take the pills.
Hey Sandy… whats the name of the liquid iron you are taking??
We’re all so afraid of death. We humans will do almost anything to get away from it. We’ll even log onto a computer to help delay our inevitable death. The fear we all have of death is so severe and strong.
death is inevitiable we are all going to die someday some how no one knows when life to your fullest and live to day like its your last that way you wont have any regrets and you can look back and say you had a good life.
When you die you can’t look back and say anything. If you are smart, you’ll constantly research what comes up as good for you and what comes up as bad for you, and make an intelligent, caring decision. If you are depressed, you won’t care and will just live each day with no will to take good care of yourself. Thank you.
The author of this article really needs to take some writing lessons. It’s full of grammar, spelling, and punctuation mistakes.
get over it!!!!!!!
I agree- A sentence should never start with And, and some of the sentences are written so poorly as to obscure their meaning, making this very confusing.
*”grammar, spelling and punctuation…”*
*rolls eyes*
It is proper with or without the comma.
F-ing Prick.
I’m taking supplements how long does it takes to get an over dose of iron? I’m taking at between 200% and 300% a day. Because, I read that some of the iron taken doesn’t actually get absorbed by the body and also believe that I might be deficient. so what I’m asking is how long would one continue taking iron before it becomes detrimental?
Take Carbonyl Iron and stay away from the sulfates. I have been taking 3 a day, then down to 2 a day with a blood builder from Wellness resources.com . After reading this I may take it down to 1 a day with the blood builder or just the blood builder to see how I feel. I just started having some nausia after taking my vitamins. Also, if you take several your best bet is to divy it out 2-3 times a day so your body can absorb it better.
hey tammy may i Ask what kind of vitamins you are taking, you seem like you know quite a bit about vitamins and wanted to know what kind of vitamins you are taking. pill or liquid and the brand?
hey peter it depends on what kind of supplements of iron you are taking, are you taking pill or liquid form, that way I can properly asses how much is actually being absorbed!
wtf randy why are u talking abouy death and i think im on iron overdose
I’m not afraid of death, just terrible pain. I generally enjoy life.
Thanks for the information. U haven’t mentioned how mg of Fe causes overdose???
18mg is basically what you need daily
Who wrote this article, a retard? The information is good, I guess, but I hope that English is your second language. So many mistakes….. So hard to take seriously….. Also… Jesus Christ, the women who made comments on this article are also retarded… lol…
you made a comment and you read it…..whos the retard now…..
win
win
double win
yoo arr a reel pane in the rrrrrrrrrrrrrs
F-ing Pricks.
I started taking 325 mg iron 3 times a day via doctor’s orders. The second night after taking the iron I had severe leg cramps from the thigh all the way down to the toes, both legs at the same time. The pain was excruciating. Has any one had leg cramps when taking too much iron supplement? Would love to hear from you. Thank you.
Sandi,
Leg cramps are a known symptom of iron imbalance. Other vitamin and mineral imbalances could be the cause as well…I previously had severe leg cramps from hypokalemia (low potassium). If you’re still experiencing pain, talk with your doctor. (but of course you know that)
I have suffered from severe leg cramps for years. I read in a book that, sometimes, it can be connected to iron deficiencies. I have been free of leg cramps since I increased my iron intake via iron supplements. I would suggest in your case that you talk to your doctor so that you are balanced correctly. Good luck.
Whenever I get leg cramps, I start taking 1 500mg calcium tablet and 2 iron tablets (one in the morning and one in the evening) and after two or three days the leg cramps subside.
* Note : If you have eaten any food that contains calcium wait for 3 hours before you take your calcium supplement.
* Wait for 3 hours after you take your calcium supplement to take your iron supplement.
Thank you for providing this information.
Thank you very much for these useful informations, please also guide me what I should do in case of Excessive iron especially natural food.
Please note that 325mg of ferrous sulfate has 65 mg of elemental iron (according to webmd) and that some packages only list the amount of iron in the elemental state and not how many mg of the type of ferrous and your healthcare provider may only tell you the mg for the ferrous you should be taking. It is very confusing! Which makes overdosing very easy! You may be overdosing if you are reading a label that says Iron (as ferrous sulfate) 47.5 and thinking that you are having to multiply the amount to get up to 325mg.
I just realized it when I switched brands and it was labeled differently stating that it was IRON 65mg and in small letters underneath reads equal to 325 mg of ferrous sulfate! We have been giving my mother too much iron even after questioning 2 different doctors and several different nurses over the last 3 weeks if I wasn’t giving her too much…even though I showed the nurse and doctor at one visit the packaging. Unfortunately, he told us we could even give her more so my dh thought that would be a great idea, make her stronger quicker. Even the last visit when her liver enzymes were high and her mental confusion had increased they were not concerned that I could be overdosing her. We had told the nurse how many we were giving her and she said it seemed like a lot but the doctor just hurried through the conversation, worried about why she was anemic…which may end up being a problem as she is being tested…but wqe haven’t helped her liver much!) She doesn’t express pain and hasn’t had the stomach pains (only a cramp once or twice but we thought she ate something with lactose in it (cheese). Interestingly, she tells us she doesn’t want the iron and tells us she can’t eat anymore after a few bites, and even one time told us she had seen the doctor and he told her to only take one pill at each meal (she hadn’t but it would have been the correct dose instead of 3-5 each meal). We couldn’t understand why she would complain about a small, little pill that isn’t even bitter since she swallows it! I have a call in to her physician as of more than an hour ago and they have yet to call me back! I read on another post somewhere to give her lentils, watercress and oranges to help with chelation.
10 years ago, I had hemoglobin level that was at the low end of normal. I was given a treatment of 3 iron tablettes a day for 6 months. When tested again, the hemoglobin remained the same but the iron levels (which were never tested prior to the iron supplements) were through the roof. Iron saturation at 82%, iron at 40, ferritine and transferritine were high but just out of normal range.
For 10 years, the hemoglobin decreased and reached 89. The other levels remained the same. No severe symptoms until 6 months ago. The hemoglobin levels are now stable around 100 but the ferritine levels are exponentially increasing and have gone from 399 to 600 to 1000 and 1500 in just 4 months.
Last week, the results of my bone marrow biopsy shows that I have sideroblatic anemia. This is the first diagnosis I have had since my clinical results were not normal and since my symptoms became severe.
My hematologists has never treated a patient with my clinical results. She wants to see if I react well to B6 and Folic Acid. In 2 months she will determine if something else needs to be done.
My worry is that the iron in my body needs to be removed and I don’t see how vitamins alone will work.
Does anyone know how to rid iron from the body? Keeping in mind that phlebotemy with my anemia is dangerous.
Is there a pill that can be taken to help rid the body of iron.
I thank you for your attention.
Steve
THERE IS NO WAY FOR THE BODY TO GET RID OF IRON, BUT BY PHLEBOTEMY, AND THE PHLEBOTEMY WILL NOT AFFECT YOUR ANEMIA. YOU SHOULD BE TAKING VIT. B12 AND FOLIC ACID STAY AWAY FROM VIT. C, AS IT MAKES IRON BE ABSORBED TO THE TISSUE.
Heavy sweating can reduce the amount of iron in the blood.
That sounds terrible.
Can you have blood tranfusions after phlebotomy?
Look at IP6 Inositol – it’s supposed to remove excess iron and other heavy metals from the body.
Ask your doctor about iron chelation therapy
Don’t drink alcohol
Avoid vitamin C (alternate a few days off then one day on so you can repair possible damage to organs caused by the Iron)
Avoid seafood
you can donate blood to lower your iron levels.
lose
ill fucking kill whoever bob is jk imsorryimsorryimsorryimsorryfuck uimsorryimsorry.
Hi,
I want to increase my iron levels so I can donate blood. I am always low everytime I want to donate but this time, I was not too low. My blood level was 12.4 and I have been taking 27mg of iron everyday and eating high iron foods. Iuse to have LLL (Low Iron), not 12.4. Should I take a 65mg Ferrous Sulfate pill? Would that be dangerous since my iron levels are normal? Should this pill only be taken during my period? I was really hurt because I could not donate that day.
If it’s normal don’t take it. Also, it takes a minimum of a few hours to start working so if you donate the day your iron is low and take the pill its still not much use.. Only thing I can think of is try to stabalize your iron levels. Talk to your local GP about it. As you say you already take it daily you might need to tell her/him that it veries all the time.
Tan.
Can too much iron cause a tightening in the leg muscles? There’s a multivitamin I take but sometimes when I take it, especially if I’m standing all day, my calf muscles become tight and won’t relax even at night. Any ideas?
I’m on Ferrograd C+ to increase my Iron levels. I’m 15 years old and this is extremply annoying. It’s taking ages to work and is not helpful at all. What would happen if I were to take more then 1? Is that an overdose? How many pills in a day would cause damage?
Thanks
Tan
i do have a friend who take 20 pills of iron. after 20 mins she had vomiting and diarrhea. she was confined at the hospital but she never informed the doctors she take the pills. never shown on her CBC for iron overdose. is there any actions we need to do?
Iron deficiency is serious. I did not understand that until it got so bad and my hem level was 7.1 (s/b 12-15). I have spent hours on research to understand it all. I finally had to have a blood transfusion. It is complex and the damage can be substantial. You should get good medical advice. Blogs are good to figure out your questions, but please do not depend on them for your own remedy. See a doctor.
Recently had a friend die from too much iron in the blood. Suggest that anyone taking extra iron check 1. Their blood results 2. Somewhere like Mayo Clinic.
Never automatically assume that what the doctor suggests/orders is 100% correct. They are human and can also make mistakes.
hello,
I am very concerned I am taking too much iron. I am very anemic my hematacrit 29, and hemaglobin 8. Before I had surgery. I am a menstrating female so my doctor encoraged me get my iron levels tested and my iron satuation was 7. I was instructed to take 325mg of iron twice a day. Now I was just reading the back of the bottle after taking my morning dose and it says each tablet is 65 mg of elemental iron, so I took 5 tablets. I then read down the ingredients and it said each tablet has 200mg of dried ferrous sulfate (65mg of elemental iron), equivlent to 325mg ferrous sulfate per tablet. I am very confused called my doctor but have yet to get a call back. I believe this is why there is overdosing on iron. I already have issues with ulcers and just had my gallbladder removed one week ago. What is the maxium dose people should take in a day?
Thank you,
Ty
having had my blood checked I found out that along with the low counts on my lymphs, my iron was very low a 12 which I don’t know what that means, accordingly to the report from the lab the normal range is 28-120, can you tell me how much iron i should be taken in supplement, i was sick and very tired all the time. starting to feel stronger but now am experiencing nausea. Thank you Susan
Lack of iron can also cause palpitations of the heart. Just a reminder!
Does iron overdose cause diarrhea? I was told I am anemic HGB 7.2 and was prescribed these iron tablets. I take 325mg ferrous sulfate per day. After a week of taking these, I am having constant diarrhea. Could this diarrhea be associated with iron overload? I could I have gained the needed iron levels within a week?
I’m on birth control pills, and at the end of every month, while I’m on my period, I sometimes take the extra iron supplements that are given in the package. I haven’t taken any in a few months, but this month I decided to. I took 1 iron pill, and the day after I had diarrhea and nausea and an upset stomach. Is this bad?
I went to the doctor a couple of weeks ago with the following symptoms: light-head, dizziness (especially when I would bend over or move my head quickly), trouble concentrating, shortness of breath, rapid heart beat. Also, having really heavy periods for the past 6 months. My doc said he could tell with those symptoms, just by looking at me, that I am anemic. As a matter of fact, his exact words were, “Without doing any blood work, I am 100% sure you’re anemic”. He said I should take 3 iron pills (65mg each), twice daily. This seems like too much iron, but what do I know? So, now just shy of two weeks on these iron pills, I feel nauseated all day today and have diarrhea. Could this be a symptom of too much iron? Should I be concerned that he didn’t do any blood work? Or am I just being paranoid?
Thanks for any input,
Charlene, 32 year old female
Please give me your advice. I am panic after realizing that the ferrous sulfate supplement taken by my 11 yr old daughter was 500mg. I am just making a self medication for her heavy menstruation, which last for 1 wk, and after a week it flows again. I just remembered my ob gyne who prescribed me iron supplement also when i experienced a heavy mens. Please give me advice urgently, just an hour, my daughter took the ferrous sulfate 500 mg. i am so much worried, then i also gave her the ibuprofen to take at the same time. I am worried, and seeking your medical advice.
I hope for a friendly concern. Thank you so much.
I have been through the whole anemia thing about ten years ago. I was bleeding almost to death during my periods. They pumped me so full of iron i couldn’t use the bathroom. Finally they did something to stop the bleeding. My problem was not low Iron. I was bleeding to much. Now I have been diagnosed with MS. Just last week my new doctor discovered that I have way to much Iron in my blood but, lack all other vitamins such as potassium. I have been sick for so long. I am 42 years old I weigh about 89 lbs and have seen lots of doctors. What took them so long to see that there is to much Iron in my blood. They don’t have an answer to what cause MS could it be that we are being over dosed on Iron or some other mineral.
what u say are ture if the iron is in the blood stream……
but if u overdose orally….
how does the overdose reach the bloodstream?
the body regulates iron absorption at the gut luminal interface….
what the body doesn’t want it just dosen’t absorb….
so wouldn’t the side effects be constipation or diarrhea depending on the form of iron ingested…?
All of my qseutoins settled-thanks!
My son, when he was 2ish, od on iron supplement pills of mine. He was finally sent home but the doctor had told us if he had one more of the iron pills he would have died. Well now he is 12 and has great difficulties in school with retaining information. now my question…could this be a side effect from the iron incident 10 years ago?
I have tried a few different iron supplements, and so far like hemaplex the best. I was taking it twice a day for about two weeks, and before that was taking blood builder from megafoods for about two weeks. my ferritin levels were 4, and now are 22! i did have some diarrhea, but that seems to be normal for me…
i’m so confused while im reading all the comments.please..last week i went to my doctor and my iron count is 11 which im very happy because its always below 8.now i went back this week and they call me back saying my iron level is way too high which is 400.im so overwhelm because its only a week and im not doing anything that will change the numbers.im doing the same thing everyday sometimes i forgot to take my iron and my last visit to the doctor i told them that my iron level might be down again because i just had my monthly period but im wron g it comes out 400.why is that?now im worried of overdosing and how to get rid of that iron thing in my body.dont know what to believe now……confused.
i need answers please.
Wow:
I agree! It makes me cringe.
Dede:
Why should we have to allow our language to be used stupidly? There is a standard form of our language, and this are simple mistakes. Would you trust a doctor that speaks awful english? To speak properly shows an understanding of what you are saying, therefore bad speakers show they do not fully understand the message that they are expressing.
Shood we all tlk lyk dis?
I think not.
Your English is perfect. Good for you
Actually, Amber’s English is not perfect. She writes: There is a standard form of our language, and this are simple mistakes. You are correct that some of the grammatical errors contain in the article are simple errors, errors which by extension if your logic are stupid. Yet, you, stupidly, I mean, mistakenly use “this” in place of “these.” This is a simple mistake, and together these are simple mistakes. You are correct, and you should know the difference and proper usage of singular and plural of this and these; particularly since you proclaim ownership of a common language.
I sometimes have a low Iron count…. I have crohnes disease and lose blood frequently during defication…. To prevent iron overdose, How often should I take a Iron Suppliment?
Soooo….
I had my blood work done because of symptoms of leg cramping I’m also post menopausal. Turns out my Iron level is up at 742.
So now waiting for MRI app in a few weeks to check the liver and now starting to get major migraines daily, is this strange?
I’m rather concerned/worried not knowing playing the waiting game is very frustrating. Dr.s don’t seem to be overly worried about this high level. ?.?.?%$?
Any idea as to what symptoms I should watch for in severe cases/late signs to get my butt to the hospital??
Any feedback is most greatly appreciated!
Thanks!
I do not even know how I finished up here, however I thought this put up used to be good. I don’t know who you’re however certainly you’re going to a well-known blogger in the event you are not already. Cheers!
My SIL has cmml leukemia, she has had many, many blood transfusions (4 units every 4 weeks). The last time her iron overload was checked it was 4500! The chelation therapy made her very I’ll. The chelation eas stopped. Her spleen was removed 3 years ago. Now she has distended liver and chf. She also presents with low fever, rash on skin, no energy, cannot walk across roon without gasping for air. She also has flu like symptoms and dizziness and loss of balance. Is this more symptoms of iron overload? How high does the overload number increase before extremely severe body organ failure?
my doctor persribed iron 3 times a day ..well within just a few days i started have really bad stomach cramps and pain, dark runny stools , called her and her nurse told me was just side effects it would stop keep taking ..i feel awful …am in pain and have started just taking one instead…i’m hoping this eases the pain and discomfort..anybody else gone thur this ????
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