Iron supplements pose overdose risk to children, ER doctor warns

3 articles · Updated · TODAY · May 1

Fredericksburg, Virginia, emergency physician Ashely Alker says a handful of iron gummies or prenatal vitamins can overdose babies, toddlers and children.
She urges adults to lock away supplements, noting toxic doses can trigger stomach distress, bleeding, liver, heart and kidney dysfunction, and in extreme cases organ failure, coma, convulsions and death.
The National Capital Poison Center says prenatal multivitamins contain the most iron, while the NIH says adults typically need 8 to 18 milligrams daily; early hospital treatment can include an intravenous antidote.

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