Iron Supplements
When we think about protecting children from the risk of accidental poisoning, we tend to focus on household chemicals and prescription drugs. But one of the most common dangers to children is often sold over-the-counter, iron supplements.
What iron doesIron is a mineral that's used by the body to produce red blood cells. If the body does not get enough iron, iron deficiency anemia can result, leading to tiredness, shortness of breath, and potential learning problems in children and adults.
The National Institutes of Health (NIH) say most people in the U.S. get enough
iron from their diet. However, there are times when some people may need supplements. For example:
·During the last 6 months of pregnancy, in order to meet the increased needs of the developing baby.
·People with bleeding problems or other special needs.
However,
iron can cause digestive problems and taking too much iron can actually be dangerous. Therefore, the use of iron supplements should only be pursued under a doctor's supervision. There's another reason to be cautious about iron supplements. Accidental overdose of iron is the leading cause of poisoning death in children under the age of six. Some of the children who died from ingesting iron supplements had taken as few as 5 pills.
Most of the serious injuries occurred with products having over 30 milligrams (mg) of iron per dose. Taken by a patient as directed, these products shouldn't cause a problem. But when accidentally taken beyond the proper dose, especially by a toddler or infant, there can be serious health problems. These include nausea and vomiting as well as long-term effects such as liver damage. Therefore, if parents are using iron supplements (and iron is often prescribed as a prenatal supplement) or if they're using multi-vitamins that contain iron, it's essential that they keep the pills out of children's reach.
Finally, if you suspect poisoning, call a doctor or poison control center right away. It's a good idea to keep those numbers by the phone at all times.
