Penza learned what is dangerous mass intake of iron

Reception of iron preparations has become a mass trend, but the independent use of such drugs can harm health.

There are two main risks. First toxicity. Unlike water-soluble vitamins, excess iron is not excreted from the body, but deposited in the tissues of the liver, heart and pancreas. This can lead to heart rhythm disturbances and metabolic disruptions.

The second risk is a blurred clinical picture. Iron deficiency is often only a consequence of hidden problems: from chronic inflammation to bleeding in the gastrointestinal tract. Taking the drug without examination masks the true cause of the malaise.

The doctor of the City Polyclinic No. 17 Ekaterina Mazur stressed that the symptoms of iron deficiency are nonspecific. Thyroid problems, vitamin D deficiency, or chronic stress may also be present. Therefore, the only reliable indication for taking iron preparations is laboratory-confirmed deficiency or anemia.

The doctor noted that it is necessary to assess not only the level of hemoglobin, but also ferritin, serum iron and other markers, necessarily in combination with the complaints and history of the patient.

It is important to distinguish between signs of excess and lack of iron. With a human deficiency, chronic fatigue, weakness, shortness of breath, hair loss and brittle nails are concerned. With excess, joint pain, discomfort in the abdomen and heart rhythm disorders appear.

Ekaterina Mazur warned against trying to guess the diagnosis by symptoms from the Internet or advice in social networks. If you are concerned about the loss of strength, it is enough to consult a therapist and pass a basic blood test. This will save time, money and, most importantly, save health from serious errors of self-medication, concluded the doctor.