Can You Die From One Iron Supplement?

Incorrect use of iron pills can cause damage or even death.

Iron supplements are taken by those with an iron deficiency, those who loose iron quickly and those who do not absorb iron properly. If not used correctly, however, iron supplements can have serious health consequences.

Dosage for Children

According NIH.gov, children have died after ingesting as little as 200mg of an iron supplement. Though most iron supplements do not provide 200mg in a single pill, childhood death from iron overdose is a possibility. Supplements should not be given to children except under the strict supervision of a healthcare professional.

Adult Dosage

Adults may suffer from an iron overdose, though adult death is not associated with a single iron supplement. Early symptoms of an iron overdose include diarrhea, nausea, sharp stomach pain and vomiting. Later symptoms include convulsions or seizures, clammy and pale skin, a rapid and weak heartbeat, shallow, rapid, breathing and blue tinted lips, palms and fingernails.

Time Frame

Symptoms of an iron overdose often do not appear until an hour after the pills have been swallowed, states the Mayo Clinic. Individuals who suspect an iron overdose should not wait for symptoms to appear before heading to an emergency room for treatment.

References

• National Institutes of Health's Office of Dietary Supplements: Iron
• Mayo Clinic: Iron Supplement-Side Effects