2023-12-10 10:18:25
Vitamin D to iron: Do you add nutrients in the form of dietary supplements? This increases the risk of an accidental overdose – which can have fatal consequences.
By: Juliane Gutmann
As of: December 10, 2023, 9:18 a.m
Some advertising campaigns suggest that nutritional supplements are right for us. Depending on the nutrient, tablets and dragees with vitamin D, zinc, magnesium, vitamin B12, coenzyme Q10 and iron are supposed to make us more efficient, healthier, wrinkle-free or in a better mood. But some preparations also pose serious risks.
Anyone who supplies the body with more iron from outside than it actually needs runs the risk of iron poisoning. This can occur if you consume too much iron in the form of dietary supplements. An overdose has a corrosive effect on the gastrointestinal tract and can lead to vomiting, stomach pain and diarrhea. Serious poisoning can lead to cerebral edema, liver and kidney damage, and shock.
Healthy adults can usually meet their iron needs through their diet, as foods containing iron include legumes, meat, and green leafy vegetables. However, there are warning signs that indicate an iron deficiency, such as persistent fatigue, dizziness, and headaches. If there is a proven iron deficiency, iron supplementation definitely makes sense, but this should always be recommended and monitored by a doctor.
The German Society for Nutrition (DGE) recommends healthy adults consume between ten and 15 milligrams of iron per day, while pregnant and breastfeeding women should consume up to 30 milligrams daily. Only a blood test can show whether there is an iron deficiency, and normal iron levels are between 60 and 180 micrograms per deciliter (μg/dl) of blood serum in healthy adult women and 70 – 180 μg/dl in adult and healthy men.
Symptoms of excess iron in the body can include fatigue, diarrhea and bloody vomiting, joint pain, heart problems such as palpitations, diabetes, and liver disease. Excess iron in the body can be caused by conditions such as hemochromatosis (iron storage disease) or increased iron intake in the form of dietary supplements, and can lead to organ damage and failure.
It is important to note that iron supplements should never be taken without a doctor’s recommendation.
This article contains general information on the respective health topic and is not intended for self-diagnosis, treatment, or medication, and in no way replaces a visit to the doctor. Our editorial team is not allowed to answer individual questions about medical conditions.]
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