Iron supplements in small amounts can be helpful in preventing certain health conditions.
High iron nausea is normally the result of an overdose of iron supplements. Iron supplements are given in certain dosages to prevent or treat certain medical conditions. Taking these supplements without the guidance of a physician or in higher amounts than recommended may cause nausea. Before taking iron supplements, talk to your physician to minimize this risk.
Proper Iron Levels
Iron is an essential mineral needed to help the blood carry oxygen. When people are deficient in iron (iron deficiency anemia), they tire easily because their bodies are deprived of vital oxygen. To prevent this, doctors often recommend an iron supplement. The recommended dosage of iron for anemia is 100 mg. If you take more than the recommended amount, double up on your supplements, or take iron supplements when they haven't been recommended to you, you run the risk of becoming nauseated and even overdosing.
Causes
When you take too much iron in supplement form, it causes constipation, which results from your digestive system becoming too relaxed due to the surge in iron levels. This causes you to bloat and feel full or queasy from your food. This is a common symptom when taking iron supplements, especially in high doses.
Treatment
To alleviate the nausea, stop taking the supplements, eat more fiber, drink more liquids, eat plenty of fruits, and if you feel these attempts are not working, use an over-the-counter laxative. If you are taking iron supplements and suffer from nausea, dizziness, low or fast pulse, headache, fever, drowsiness, nervousness, metallic taste in your mouth, difficulty breathing, black stool, flushed skin or loss of color, you may be suffering an overdose.
Special Warning
Anyone who has overdosed on iron must get professional help. You will need to have the patient's age, weight, height, product name, time swallowed, amount swallowed and the names of any other medication the person may be on in addition to the iron.
The National Poison Control Centers number is 800-222-1222. This number can be called from any state in the U.S. You will be given specific instructions for helping the patient.
Recovery
Recovery is typically likely if the condition is caught soon enough, and it is especially likely if the patient has no symptoms of iron overdose within 48 hours of taking the iron. In rare cases, people have died even up to a week after overdose, so it is important to seek treatment as soon as possible.
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