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Iron Poisoning
Iron is important for good nutrition because it is used in blood and muscle tissue. However, it is also very poisonous if too much is taken. Each year, there are over 3,500 iron poisonings in children under the age of 6 years. It is also one of the most frequent causes of poisoning death in children.Why is iron poisoning common?
First, iron supplements are found in many homes with small children. Iron is available in numerous over-the-counter and prescription tablets and liquids, such as ferrous sulfate, ferrous gluconate and ferrous fumarate. It is also found in many multivitamin preparations for both children and adults. Finally, pregnant women are often prescribed prenatal vitamins that have high amounts of iron. Prenatal vitamins are often kept around the house after the pregnant woman stops taking them.
Second, many people are not aware that iron can be dangerous. It may be regarded as "just a vitamin" or as a nutritional product instead of a medicine.
Third, iron tablets may be attractive to a young child. This is certainly true of the chewable children's vitamins with iron that are often in cartoon shapes with various colors and fruit flavors. The much more dangerous adult formulations contain more iron and often look like brightly colored candies to young children. What happens in an iron overdose?
When someone takes too much iron, the first effect is irritation and ulceration of the stomach lining. This results in nausea, abdominal pain and vomiting as early as 20 minutes after the ingestion. This can be followed by an apparent recovery, which is very deceptive because a few hours later the person can go into pro-found shock with a severe blood chemistry imbalance. 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.What should I do in case of an iron poisoning?
If there is a possibility that a child (or anyone) took too much iron, immediately contact the Poison Control Center. This is very important, even if the patient seems to be doing fine. The poison specialist will determine if treatment is necessary. You will be advised what to do for the child at home or, if necessary, you will be directed to take the child to a nearby hospital. Treatment for iron poisoning may include removing iron from the stomach, checking a blood level and, when needed, giving a chelating agent to bind up the iron in the bloodstream and help eliminate it from the body.
1-800-222-1222. . Anytime, Anyplace in California
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Disclaimer: This web site is designed to be informational and educational. Under no circumstance is this web site meant to replace the expert advice of a qualified poison specialist or physician. In the event of a poison emergency, call the nearest poison center immediately by diaing 1-800-222-1222 or contact 9-1-1 emergency services.