What is iron poisoning?
Iron is a mineral your body needs, but too much can be harmful. You get iron poisoning by taking too many pills that contain iron, such as multivitamins. Iron poisoning happens most often in young children.
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Iron poisoning is a leading cause of death by poisoning in children younger than 5
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Keep iron pills and multivitamins out of children’s reach
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Symptoms of serious poisoning usually appear within 6 hours, but call for help right away, even if symptoms haven't appeared yet
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People with iron poisoning need to be cared for in the hospital
Call for emergency medical assistance (911 in most areas of the United States) right away if you think you or someone else may have iron poisoning.
What are the symptoms of iron poisoning?
The first symptoms usually happen within 6 hours:
If the poisoning is severe, early symptoms also include:
Sometimes, you may seem like you're getting better for awhile. Then, 12 to 48 hours after the overdose, you have:
Next, your liver fails and you may die of shock, bleeding, and blood-clotting problems.
If you survive, about 2 to 5 weeks after the overdose, your symptoms may return. You may feel:
These symptoms happen as your belly and intestines become blocked by scars.
