Iron

Iron is a chemical element in the periodic table that has the symbol Fe (L.: Ferrum) and atomic number 26. Iron is a group 8 and period 4 metal. Iron is notable for being the final element produced by stellar nucleosynthesis, and thus the heaviest element which does not require a supernova or similarly cataclysmic event for its formation. It is therefore the most abundant heavy metal in the universe.

Precautions

Excessive dietary iron is toxic, because excess ferrous iron reacts with peroxides in the body, producing free radicals.

Related Topics:
Peroxide - Free radical

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When iron is in normal quantity, the body's own antioxidant mechanisms can control this process. In excess, uncontrollable quantities of free radicals are produced.

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The lethal dose of iron in a two year old is about three grams of iron. One gram can induce severe poisoning. There are reported cases of children being poisoned by consuming between 10-50 tablets of ferrous sulfate over a few hour period. Over consumption of iron is the single highest cause of death in children by unintentional ingestion of pharmaceuticals. The DRI lists the Tolerable Upper Intake Level (UL) for adults as 45 mg/day. For children under fourteen years old the UL is 40 mg/day.

Related Topics:
Ferrous sulfate - DRI - Mg

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If iron intake is excessive a number of iron overload disorders can result, such as hemochromatosis. For this reason, people shouldn't take iron supplements unless they suffer from iron deficiency and have consulted a doctor. Blood donors are at special risk of low iron levels and are often recommended to supplement their iron intake.

Related Topics:
Iron overload disorder - Hemochromatosis - Iron deficiency - Blood donors

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