ER doctor warns popular supplement has ‘toxic’ side effect

Dietary supplements are taken to support health but in some cases they can lead to adverse effects.

There is increased interest in how over the counter supplements can lead to a type of poisoning when taken incorrectly. A pharmacist recently warned of the risks that can arise from 'stacking' lots of supplements and vitamins. Some people may assume that high doses of supplements and vitamins are harmless, but when taken incorrectly they can cause harm.

Iron is an essential minerals many people turn to in supplement form. It plays a key role in helping your blood carry oxygen around the body, while also supporting your energy levels, immune health, muscles, and even brain function.

But more isn’t always better. Taking too much iron—especially from supplements—can be harmful, and in some cases particularly dangerous for children, according to the National Library of Medicine.

You'll want to avoid taking too much iron (Getty Stock Image)

For many people, iron comes from multivitamins or prenatal supplements, which are sometimes sold as gummies.

And while they may look and taste like sweets, taking too many can come with real risks.

This pertinent warning is being shared by emergency medicine physician Dr. Ashley Alker.

Alker writes about iron and supplements in her book 99 Ways to Die: And How to Avoid Them and she also raised the alarm on TODAY.

“For babies, infants, toddlers and kids, if they eat a handful of those [supplements[ that can be an overdose for them,” Akler told the publication. “So anything with iron in it should be locked up.”

An iron supplement overdose can be life-threatening, especially for children. This is due to their small body size, which means iron can reach toxic levels faster, according to the National Capital Poison Center.

High iron doses can cause an upset stomach, constipation, nausea, abdominal pain, vomiting and diarrhoea.

“The blood turns to acid, and the iron causes bleeding and liver, heart and kidney dysfunction," Alker writes in her book.

Extremely high doses of iron can cause organ failure, coma, convulsions and death, the National Institutes of Health warns.

Adults should keep their supplements out of sight and reach of children.

Foods high in iron (Getty Stock Image)

Adults need generally need 8–18 mg of iron daily, however the umber differs between men, postmenopausal women, premenopausal women, pregnant women and breastfeeding women, according to the National Institute of Health.

Iron can be found naturally in many foods, including:

• Lean meat
• Seafood
• Poultry
• Iron-fortified breads and breakfast cereals
• White beans
• Lentils
• Spinach
• Kidney beans
• Peas
• Nuts
• Some dried fruits, such as raisins