Iron supplementation with inappropriate dosage or abuse for a long time is the cause of unwanted side effects. Most side effects when taking iron are usually effectively controlled if detected early, but long-term abuse can form dangerous diseases.
1. Side effects when taking iron
Iron is a nutrient that plays an important role in the development of the body. Therefore, besides consuming iron-containing food groups, many subjects have supplemented this nutrient through oral route. However, there are many cases where side effects appear after taking, leading to unfortunate consequences on health and mental health.
Temporary side effects at the time of taking
Not all subjects experience side effects when taking iron. However, due to health conditions, physical strength, medications you are taking (if any), ... iron can cause temporary side effects such as:
• The group of symptoms related to the digestive system such as constipation, diarrhea, loss of appetite, dark black stools, unusual smell or blood,...
• The group of symptoms with allergic manifestations such as: red rash, hives causing itching, difficulty breathing, parts of the mouth, face or lips may be red and swollen, ...
• In addition, some subjects also had high fever and vomiting after a few hours of taking iron.
It is necessary to supplement the appropriate amount of iron to avoid causing unwanted side effects
Side effects of iron abuse
Abuse of iron for a long time leads to excess which is the cause of many complications and dangerous diseases. Among them, typical groups of diseases are as follows:
Damaged liver function
The amount of iron in the body if not effectively controlled will increase pressure on the liver. At this time, the oxidation of the liver will take place more strongly than usual, leading to complications that are the formation of damage and scar tissue in the internal organs. This is considered a factor that increases the likelihood of liver diseases, especially liver failure and liver cancer.
Excess iron can cause negative effects on the liver
Have diseases related to the cardiovascular system
Many studies have shown that too high iron levels in the body will seriously interfere with the heart's electrical conduction process. This long-term condition will cause problems such as heart failure, unstable heartbeat, disorder, ... In addition, the problem of excess iron is also the cause of blood pumping and blood circulation in the body. encountered many difficulties.
Skin pigmentation changes
In fact, subjects with iron levels in the body in excess of the allowable level will often have dark, discolored skin, even more sensitive than normal when exposed to direct ultraviolet rays. . The cause of this situation is because excess iron moves from the blood to the body's tissues, stays in skin cells and forms the changes mentioned above.
Diabetes
One of the common side effects of iron overdose is the formation of diabetes. Excess iron accumulated in the pancreas for a long time will cause certain obstacles to the synthesis of insulin. This leads to a rapid increase in blood sugar levels and the risk of diabetes.
Excess iron causes arthritis
Excess iron for a long time, not being excreted out, can accumulate in joints and form lesions and inflammation in tissues. If not detected early, treatment can cause inflammation of the joints and dangerous complications later.
Damage to the ovaries in women
Side effects when taking iron overdose often cause many dangerous complications in women, especially ovarian damage. The initial manifestations of the damage may be menstrual cycle disturbances, inability to ovulate, delayed puberty, etc.
Stimulates the production of bacteria
Many patients with iron abuse leading to excess often present with chronic infectious diseases. Because iron is a substance that carries oxygen in the body, an excess of iron will create favorable conditions for the process of stimulation, production and growth of bacteria.
Have some neurological syndromes
Neurological diseases caused by iron overload are rare, but they often cause the following dangerous consequences:
• Formation of some diseases such as Parkinson's, ADHD, Alzheimer's, ...
• Mentally unstable, easily falling into a state of excitement, fatigue, violence, fear,...
Fatigue is one of the side effects of taking iron
2. Notes when taking iron supplements
In addition to the side effects when taking iron mentioned above, users may experience some other unusual symptoms and manifestations. Therefore, to ensure the best effect of the supplement, it is important to note:
• Choose to buy supplements at reputable and quality establishments, absolutely do not use untested products, of unknown origin.
• Subjects with a history of allergy to iron or any other drug should be cautious in supplementing.
• Subjects are the elderly, children under 6 years old or are suffering from some diseases related to the digestive system (gastritis, colitis, diverticulitis, ...) are only used after instructions under the guidance of a qualified physician.
• It is necessary to inform the prescribing doctor about the forms of medicine being used (if any), especially antibiotics and drugs for thyroid diseases.
• In case of overdose or unusual signs appear, it is necessary to immediately go to the nearest medical facility for examination and examination.
