Health and Me

Itisha Arya

Could You Be Overdoing Iron Supplements? Four Signs Doctors Say Not To Ignore

iron supplement overdose

Britons who regularly take a commonly used supplement are being urged to cut back if they notice four particular symptoms, as excessive intake can be dangerous and, in some cases, life-threatening. Vitamins and minerals are essential for keeping the body functioning properly. While most nutrients should ideally come from a healthy, balanced diet, many people choose to top up their intake with supplements.

Iron is one such supplement. This mineral plays a key role in making haemoglobin, the substance in red blood cells that carries oxygen around the body. When iron levels are too low, it can lead to <span>iron deficiency</span> anaemia. This condition may cause symptoms such as constant tiredness, low energy, shortness of breath, and heart palpitations. To avoid this, some people turn to <span>iron supplements</span>.

<h2>Could You Be Overdoing Iron Supplements?</h2>

The NHS has issued guidance on its website, warning that taking “too much” iron can cause side effects. These include:

<ul><li>Constipation</li><li>Feeling sick</li><li>Being sick</li><li>Stomach pain</li></ul>

If these symptoms appear, it may be a sign that your iron intake needs to be reduced. In children, taking too much iron can be particularly dangerous and may even be fatal.

The NHS states: “Very high doses of iron can be fatal, particularly if taken by children, so always keep iron supplements out of the reach of children.” For adults, a high dose of iron is classed as more than 20mg.

<ul><li>8.7mg a day for men aged 19 and over</li><li>14.8mg a day for women aged 19 to 49</li><li>8.7mg a day for women aged 50 and over</li><li>Women who continue to have periods after the age of 50 may need the same amount of iron as women aged 19 to 49</li></ul>

The Department of Health and Social Care (DHSC) says that “most people” should be able to meet their iron needs through a varied and balanced diet. But for those who do take supplements, the NHS advises: “Do not take too much as this could be harmful.”

It adds that taking 17mg or less of iron supplements each day is “unlikely” to cause harm. The guidance continues: “But continue taking a higher dose if advised to by a GP.”

<strong>Good sources of iron include:</strong>

<ul><li>Liver (but this should be avoided during pregnancy)</li><li>Red meat (though the DHSC advises limiting red and processed meat due to a possible link to bowel cancer)</li><li>Beans, such as red kidney beans, edamame beans, and chickpeas</li><li>Nuts</li><li>Dried fruit, including dried apricots</li><li>Fortified breakfast cereals</li><li>Soybean flour</li></ul>

<h2>Symptoms Of Iron Deficiency Anaemia</h2>

<ul><li>Tiredness and low energy</li><li>Shortness of breath</li><li>Noticeable heartbeats, also known as heart palpitations</li><li>Skin that appears paler than usual</li><li>Headaches</li><li>Ringing, buzzing, or hissing sounds in the ears or head, known as tinnitus</li><li>Food tasting unusual</li><li>Itchy skin</li><li>A sore tongue</li><li>Hair loss, with more hair coming out during brushing or washing</li><li>Craving non-food items such as paper or ice, a condition called pica</li><li>Difficulty swallowing, known as dysphagia</li><li>Painful open sores at the corners of the mouth</li><li>Changes to the nails, including spoon-shaped nails</li><li>Restless legs syndrome</li></ul>

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Britons who regularly take a commonly used supplement are being urged to cut back if they notice four particular symptoms, as excessive intake can be dangerous and, in some cases, life-threatening. Vitamins and minerals are essential for keeping the body functioning properly. While most nutrients should ideally come from a healthy, balanced diet, many people choose to top up their intake with supplements.Iron is one such supplement. This mineral plays a key role in making haemoglobin, the substance in red blood cells that carries oxygen around the body. When iron levels are too low, it can lead to iron deficiency anaemia. This condition may cause symptoms such as constant tiredness, low energy, shortness of breath, and heart palpitations. To avoid this, some people turn to iron supplements.Could You Be Overdoing Iron Supplements?The NHS has issued guidance on its website, warning that taking “too much” iron can cause side effects. These include:ConstipationFeeling sickBeing sickStomach painIf these symptoms appear, it may be a sign that your iron intake needs to be reduced. In children, taking too much iron can be particularly dangerous and may even be fatal.The NHS states: “Very high doses of iron can be fatal, particularly if taken by children, so always keep iron supplements out of the reach of children.” For adults, a high dose of iron is classed as more than 20mg.How Much Iron Do You Need?8.7mg a day for men aged 19 and over14.8mg a day for women aged 19 to 498.7mg a day for women aged 50 and overWomen who continue to have periods after the age of 50 may need the same amount of iron as women aged 19 to 49The Department of Health and Social Care (DHSC) says that “most people” should be able to meet their iron needs through a varied and balanced diet. But for those who do take supplements, the NHS advises: “Do not take too much as this could be harmful.”It adds that taking 17mg or less of iron supplements each day is “unlikely” to cause harm. The guidance continues: “But continue taking a higher dose if advised to by a GP.”Good sources of iron include:Liver (but this should be avoided during pregnancy)Red meat (though the DHSC advises limiting red and processed meat due to a possible link to bowel cancer)Beans, such as red kidney beans, edamame beans, and chickpeasNutsDried fruit, including dried apricotsFortified breakfast cerealsSoybean flourSymptoms Of Iron Deficiency AnaemiaTiredness and low energyShortness of breathNoticeable heartbeats, also known as heart palpitationsSkin that appears paler than usualHeadachesRinging, buzzing, or hissing sounds in the ears or head, known as tinnitusFood tasting unusualItchy skinA sore tongueHair loss, with more hair coming out during brushing or washingCraving non-food items such as paper or ice, a condition called picaDifficulty swallowing, known as dysphagiaPainful open sores at the corners of the mouthChanges to the nails, including spoon-shaped nailsRestless legs syndrome