Pathophysiology<unk>  is essential for the production of hemoglobin in red blood cells which is responsible for transporting oxygen throughout the body. In normal physiologic conditions, nonionic forms of<unk>  (Fe°) are converted into ferrous<unk>  (Fe2+) by gastric acid in the stomach. Ferrous<unk>  is then absorbed in the small intestine where it is oxidized into its ferric<unk>  (Fe3+) form before being released into the bloodstream. Free<unk>  in the blood is toxic to the body as it disrupts normal cell function, damaging organs such as the liver, stomach, and cardiovascular system. The human body has protective mechanisms in place to prevent excess free ferric<unk>  from circulating the body. When being transported throughout the body,<unk>  is bound to an<unk>  transporting protein called transferrin to prevent<unk>  from being absorbed into different cells. Any excess<unk>  is stored as ferritin in the liver. In the event of<unk>  overdose,<unk>  stores become oversaturated and the body's protective mechanisms fail resulting in excess free circulating<unk> . Toxic Dose<unk>  can occur when doses of 20 to 60 mg/kg or more of elemental<unk>  is ingested with most cases reporting primarily gastrointestinal symptoms. Systemic signs and symptoms shown in serious toxicity occur at higher doses exceeding 60 mg/kg. Ingesting above 120 mg/kg may be fatal. The therapeutic dose for<unk>  deficiency anemia is 3–6 mg/kg/day. Individuals who have ingested less than 20 mg/kg of elemental<unk>  typically do not exhibit symptoms. It is unlikely to get<unk>  from diet alone with<unk>  supplements being the cause of overdose. The amount of elemental<unk>  in an<unk>  supplement can be calculate based on the percentage it constitutes for per tablet. For example, a 300 mg tablet of ferrous fumarate will contain 100 mg of elemental<unk>  or 33%. * Ferrous sulfate contains 20% elemental<unk>  per mg of mineral salt * Ferrous gluconate contains 12% elemental<unk>  per mg of mineral salt * Ferrous fumarate contains 33% elemental<unk>  per mg of mineral salt
Iron poisoning
Zinc toxicity
Mercury poisoning
Lead poisoning
Cobalt poisoning
Cadmium poisoning
Salt poisoning
Mercury Poisoning