Dare Game, Ooty Schoolgirl Eats 45 Iron Tablets, Dies: Side Effects Of Consuming Too Many Iron Tablets

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In a sad turn of events, a student at a school in Ooty died on Thursday, three days after playing the 'dare game' of eating the maximum number of iron tablets kept in the headmaster's room. 13-year-old Jaiba Fatima swallowed 45 iron tablets in a single effort in competition with five of her friends.

Other girls and boys who competed with her complained of dizziness and were treated at the Ooty Government Medical College and Hospital [1].

In government schools, iron tablets are given to girls in classes VIII through XII once a week. Three of the girls consumed at least 10 tablets each, compared to two or three tablets consumed by the two boys. Jaiba Fatima ate three strips, each containing 15 tablets. The distribution of tablets was organised by a nodal teacher who was on leave that day.

As experts point out, taking excessive amounts of iron supplements (especially on an empty stomach) can cause upset stomach, constipation, nausea, abdominal pain, vomiting, and diarrhoea in healthy individuals [2].

What Are the Side Effects Of Consuming Too Many Iron Tablets? How Many Are Safe?

As a mineral, iron is essential for the growth and development of the human body. Iron is required for the production of haemoglobin, a protein that transports oxygen from the lungs to all parts of the body, and myoglobin, a protein that provides oxygen to muscles. Several hormones are also made with iron, which your body requires [3].

How Much Iron Do You Need?

Depending upon your age, gender, and whether you consume a predominantly plant-based diet, you will need: 8.7 mg a day for men over the age of 18, and 14.8 mg a day for women aged 19 to 50. 8.7 mg a day for women over the age of 50 [4].

The body does not absorb nonheme iron in plant foods as well as heme iron in animal foods, so vegetarians who do not consume meat, poultry, or seafood need nearly twice the amount of iron shown in the table.

Side Effects Of Consuming Too Much Iron

Iron is absorbed best on an empty stomach. Some people may experience stomach cramps, nausea, and diarrhoea after taking iron supplements. You may want to take iron with a small amount of food in order to avoid these symptoms [5].

In healthy individuals, taking high doses of iron supplements, especially on an empty stomach may cause the following reactions [6]:

• An upset stomach
• Constipation
• Nausea
• Abdominal pain
• Vomiting
• Diarrhoea

Iron is also a cellular toxin; it damages and kills cells that make up the tissues of our organs, such as our liver, which can quickly lead to excessive fluid and blood loss, and ultimately, shock.

Taking excessive amounts of iron may also cause more serious side effects, such as inflammation of the stomach lining and ulcers. Iron can also decrease the absorption of zinc.

Iron in extremely high doses can cause organ failure, coma, seizures, and death.

What Are The Symptoms Of Iron Overdose?

Early symptoms of iron overdose include the following:

• Diarrhoea (may contain blood)
• Fever
• Nausea
• Stomach pain or cramping
• Vomiting, severe (may contain blood)

Late symptoms of iron overdose include the following:

• Bluish-coloured lips, fingernails, and palms of hands
• Seizures
• Pale, clammy skin
• Rapid and shallow breathing
• Tiredness or weakness
• Weak and fast heartbeat

An inherited condition known as hemochromatosis can lead to toxic levels of iron in the body of certain individuals. Hereditary hemochromatosis is a serious condition that can cause liver cirrhosis, liver cancer, and heart disease if it is not treated. Those with this disorder should refrain from taking iron supplements or vitamin C supplements [7].

What Is Iron Poisoning? Can Iron Kill You?

Iron toxicity is still a threat, especially among children, even though death from iron poisoning is less common than it was before the 1990s. Toxicity is determined based on how much iron is taken per kilogram.

Due to their small size, kids can easily reach a toxic dose if they swallow adult or prenatal multivitamins due to the high iron content contained in each tablet.

Even though iron can be found naturally in some foods, an overdose of iron supplements can cause life-threatening complications in children. Iron poisoning can result in bruising, shock, acidosis, and even death [8].

How Much Iron Is Safe For Consumption?

The National Institutes of Health (NIH) recommends 8 milligrams (mg) of iron per day for men. 18 mg per day for premenopausal women. 8 mg per day for postmenopausal women.

An infant aged 7-12 months need 11 milligrams of iron daily. Children ages 1-3 years require 7 milligrams of iron a day.

Kids aged 4-8 years require 10 milligrams, whereas older children ages 9-13 years require 8 milligrams of iron each day. It is recommended that teenage boys receive 11 milligrams of iron per day, while teen girls receive 15 milligrams [9][10].

On A Final Note...

It is important to realise that iron can be harmful in high quantities. Iron supplementation may benefit those with an iron deficiency; however, it may be harmful to those without an iron deficiency.

Do not take iron supplements unless your doctor recommends them.

Disclaimer: The information provided in this article is for general informational and educational purposes only and is not intended as a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of your physician or a qualified healthcare provider with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition.