Iron Toxicity in Children

According to Colorado State University, iron toxicity is the most common cause of death related to poisoning among children under the age of six. Iron absorbs well in the body, with little excretion from it. This is one of the reasons why iron toxicity is so common. However, you can help prevent iron toxicity from ever occurring in your child, and help prevent long-term effects if toxicity does occur.

The Facts

• Consuming too much iron from food can lead to toxicity in children. However, the most common cause of iron toxicity is the accidental ingestion of prescription supplements prenatal vitamins, and daily multi-vitamins. Consuming 200 mg of iron can be fatal to a child, according to the National Institutes of Health.

Daily Recommendations

• The National Institutes of Health recommends daily maximum intakes of iron for children, based on age. Children from seven months of age until through 13 years of age should take no more than 40 mg of iron per day. Individuals 14 years of age and older can take 45 mg a day. Any amounts greater than these recommendations pose the risk of toxicity, with the exception of a doctor prescribing more for health conditions, such as anemia.

Short-term Effects

• Children will exhibit symptoms of an iron overdose immediately upon ingestion. According to Children's Hospital of Philadelphia, within minutes or up to six hours after ingestion, children might experience abdominal pain, hyperglycemia, diarrhea, lethargy, nausea, shock or vomiting. If your child goes into a coma, call 911 immediately.

Long-term Effects

• Some children show more severe symptoms of iron toxicity than others. The danger here is that early detection may be lost, and the high levels of iron can cause long-term damage. Within 12 to 48 hours of iron poisoning, a child's liver may be damaged, shortness of breath may result from liquid filling the lungs (pulmonary edema), and he might vomit blood (hematemesis). Still, the damage can continue for weeks after toxicity. In fact, a child may experience gastric scarring and ulcers for up to six weeks.

Prevention/Solution

• Keep any iron supplements away from children and be sure that the bottles are capped tightly. If a child accidentally ingests an iron supplement, or you suspect an iron overdose, go to the emergency room. Or, call the Poison Control Center at: [phone]. Time is of essence to prevent long-term damage, and even death.