Overview "Frequently Asked Questions and Answers about Iron in Food"

Is it possible to overdose on iron-containing tablets (food supplements)?

In extreme cases - e.g. in children - acute intoxications may occur with symptoms like vomiting, diarrhoea, fever, blood-clotting disorders but also kidney and liver damage. In adults the long-term intake of (high doses of) iron-containing food may lead to chronic excessive iron intake. Based on the scientific knowledge currently available, it cannot be ruled out that a high iron intake or high iron storage caused by the uncontrolled, long-term intake of food supplements with iron raises the risks of heart disease and cancer amongst other things.

Iron should, therefore, only be taken as a food supplement in the case of a diagnosed deficiency after consulting a doctor.