Iron Overdose

Hi
I am the mother of a 18 year old son who was diagnosed with crones or uc in aug 2010. Tests were inconclusive for crones but the specialist thinks that it is more likely crones than uc. He was hospitalized and was severely anemic. Since leaving the hospital he has made an astounding recovery which amazed even the doctors as to how fast he responded to the medication (mesalamine). we were told 3 months ago that his blood tests were normal but he was to stay on all meds. My question is this. He has been on 325mg of iron taken 2 times a day since aug. He also takes a reg. vitamin pill a day with iron . I am concerned about overdose of iron but have been repeatedly told that this is not a large amount and that it takes a long time to get iron fully back into the system. Can anyone tell me if they have been on this much iron for so long?

Hi Mom - I can't offer much in the way of advice on the iron, but I just wanted to say welcome to the forum!

Try doing a google search to see if you can find what the recommended iron intake is for his age and weight.

So great to hear that he responded so well to the mesalamine. I hope he continues to do well on it!

- Amy

Hi and welcome! Like Amy, I don't have much experience with iron, but I would certainly take your doctor's advice if he says to stick with it. However, if things don't sound right to you, get a second opinion. There's no harm in getting another doctor's view point, especially if it will put your mind at ease. Good luck!

Hi,
I would say he should get a blood test, and if his anemia is cured, than stop the iron. No reason for a man to supplement with that much if not needed.

I was taking the same amount of Doctor's orders. I was told to drop the dose or stop if I started having GI issues because iron tablets can at time be hard on the gut. I spent 18 months on that dose and then dropped to half of that.

I've been taking iron tablets for over 2 years, I only stop during a flare. My anemia was cause by massive blood loss, and two years later it's still there. It can take a very long time to bounce back from anemia, and even if he's feeling fine, there is still a very good chance that he's anemic.

Ive just been put on iron tablets (600mg per day) + iron solution (20ml a day). Been on for about a month and it has stopped my levels from dopping but only just started to increase. I guess he will be having blood tests done periodically to see how hes getting on, but until he finds that info out i'd stick with taking them.

Welcome to the forum by the way