As of: February 14, 2024, 1:47 p.m
By: Juliane Gutmann
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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.
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.
What is iron poisoning?
This can occur if you consume too much iron in the form of dietary supplements.
As written in the medical dictionary
Pschyrembel
, an overdose has a corrosive effect on the gastrointestinal tract.
This can lead to vomiting, stomach pain and diarrhea.
According to Pschyrembel,
severe poisoning can lead
to cerebral edema, liver and kidney damage and shock.
Cover your iron needs through your diet and detect iron deficiency
Healthy adults can usually meet their iron needs through their diet.
Foods containing iron include legumes, meat and green leafy vegetables.
You can read about other foods that contain a lot of iron at this link.
However, there are warning signs that indicate an iron deficiency.
These include symptoms such as persistent fatigue, dizziness and headaches.
If there is a proven iron deficiency, iron supplementation definitely makes sense.
However, this should always be recommended and monitored by a doctor.
Recommendations on iron limit values
The
German Nutrition Society (DGE
) recommends that healthy adults consume between ten and 15 milligrams of iron per day.
Other recommendations apply to pregnant and breastfeeding women; they should consume up to 30 milligrams daily.
Only a blood test shows whether there is an iron deficiency.
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.
Iron supplements should never be taken without a doctor's recommendation.
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Symptoms of excess iron in the body
If an excess of iron is measured in the body, there can be several reasons.
For example, the metabolic disease hemochromatosis (iron storage disease) or increased iron intake in the form of dietary supplements.
The
Lucerne Cantonal Hospital
writes that in these cases the excess iron is deposited in the liver, heart or pancreas.
This can damage the organs and even lead to organ failure.
The following symptoms can indicate excess iron, as the cantonal hospital and the
pharmacies Umschau
inform:
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Vomit
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diabetes
Liver diseases
This article only contains general information on the respective health topic and is therefore not intended for self-diagnosis, treatment or medication. It in no way replaces a visit to the doctor. Our editorial team is not allowed to answer individual questions about medical conditions.