Too much iron can be toxic and may damage the liver, the heart, and the pancreas. An excess of iron can also be bad for your joints, leading to arthritis and chronic pain. Older adults who have unusually high levels of iron are also at increased risk for diseases such as Type 2 diabetes and various types of cancer.

Is iron bad for elderly?

Although experts don’ t know for sure whether excess iron in the body is harmful to the elderly, some studies suggest that people with elevated iron stores may be at increased risk for heart disease, cancer, and diabetes.

Should seniors take multivitamins with iron?

Gure noted that many seniors have low iron levels, and supplements that include iron can help mitigate potential deficiencies. “A general health maintenance approach would be that you can use any multivitamin that has iron in it on a daily basis, and it probably will be fine,” she said.

Why you should not take iron supplements?

As a result, the iron in their body can build up to dangerous levels. That excess iron can deposit in organs such as the liver, heart, and pancreas, which can lead to conditions like cirrhosis, heart failure, and diabetes. For that reason, people with hemochromatosis should not take iron supplements.

How much iron should an 80 year old woman take?

Between 19 and 50 years of age, women need 18 mg of iron per day. Female athletes have higher needs to account for the amount of iron lost to sweating. Older women, ages 51 and older, need 8 mg of iron per day.

How much iron does an elderly person need?

Although iron is an essential element for the human body, requirements for iron change with age. The recommended daily allowance for iron for adults over age 50 is 8 milligrams per day, regardless of sex.

Can low iron cause confusion in the elderly?

In older adults, anemia might have even more impact in causing confusion or depression. Weakness may make walking more difficult. Anemia may shorten your lifespan if you are older and it is not treated.

Do elderly need iron?

The mineral iron, found in a variety of foods, is important for good health. Though senior citizens (elderly) generally consume enough iron in their diet to meet the Recommended Dietary Allowances for iron, there are other factors that may contribute to iron deficiency anemia in this population.

Is anemia more common in the elderly?

Or noticed “low hemoglobin” in a doctor’s report? Anemia means having a red blood cell count that is lower than normal, and it’s very common in older adults. About 10% of independently living people over age 65 have anemia. And anemia becomes even more common as people get older.

Why is iron important for older adults?

Why do seniors need iron? Every person needs iron throughout the stages of our lives to make hemoglobin, a protein that carries oxygen to tissues in the body. Iron also plays a role as a part of other proteins within the body.

Who should not take iron supplements?

People over 65, who are more likely to have iron-poor diets. People who are on blood thinners such as aspirin, Plavix®, Coumadin®, or heparin. People who have kidney failure (especially if they are on dialysis), because they have trouble making red blood cells. People who have trouble absorbing iron.

What are the side effects of taking iron pills?

The most common side effects associated with iron supplements include:

• Constipation.
• Dark stools.
• Stomach upset (pain, bloating, diarrhea, nausea and vomiting)
• Stained teeth.
• Metallic taste.
• Heartburn (irritation of the esophagus lining)

Can you take iron and vitamin D together?

No interactions were found between multivitamin with iron and Vitamin D3. This does not necessarily mean no interactions exist. Always consult your healthcare provider.

What causes iron deficiency in older females?

Iron-deficiency is the second most common cause of anemia in the elderly. The most foremost reasons for iron deficiency in this age group are blood loss, nutritional deficiencies, medications, cancer therapies and poor absorption.