Iron in Diet

Iron in Diet: Side Effects

Iron deficiency most commonly manifests itself as iron deficiency anemia. Iron deficiency and iron deficiency anemia can occur during periods of rapid growth, during pregnancy, and among women who are menstruating more than usual. It can also be associated with any type of intestinal loss of blood, frequent donation of blood, and from the inability to absorb iron efficiently.

Initial symptoms of iron deficiency anemia include the following:

• Fatigue
• Lack of energy
• Dizziness

Weight loss and lowered immunity may also indicate iron deficiency. The symptoms can be alleviated once the cause of the iron deficiency has been determined.

It is unlikely that iron toxicity can develop from an increased dietary intake of iron alone. Children have been known to develop iron toxicity by increased intake of iron supplements, however. Symptoms of iron toxicity include the following:

• Fatigue
• Anorexia
• Dizziness
• Nausea
• Vomiting
• Headache
• Weight loss
• Shortness of breath

A grayish color to the skin is a possible indication of iron toxicity.

Hemochromatosis is a genetic disorder that affects the regulation of iron absorption. The incidence may be as high as 5 in 1,000 in Caucasians. Treatment consists of a low-iron diet, no iron supplements, and phlebotomy (blood removal) on a regular basis.

Excess storage of iron in the body is known as hemosiderosis. The increased iron stores come from the consumption of excessive iron supplements or from receiving frequent blood transfusions, not from increased iron intake in the diet.