Maximize your absorption of non-heme iron by including orange juice, peppers, kiwi, or other foods rich in vitamin C with meals. In women, iron overload is very rare. Also, both high body stores and intakes of iron have been associated with increased risk of cancer, especially colon cancer, in human and animal studies. Since 1986, U.S. poison control centers have received reports of more than 110,000 incidents of children under 6 years old accidentally swallowing iron tablets. Some were hospitalized and 35 died.
Iron poisoning is recognized as a leading cause of poisoning deaths in young children.
Since January of 1997 in response to concerns, the FDA has required all iron-containing supplements to carry a standard warning on labels about the risk of acute iron poisoning in children under 6 years of age. This vitamin, like folate, is required for red blood cell production, to maintain central nervous system function, and for energy metabolism. Deficiency of vitamin B12 is rare with a varied and well-balanced diet easily meeting the body's needs. However, deficiency is more common in persons with digestive diseases. Deficiency occurs as a result of poor dietary intake or inadequate absorption.