10 Telltale Signs Of Iron Deficiency

Iron deficiency is a common condition that occurs when the body doesn’t have enough iron. Iron is an essential nutrient that helps transport oxygen throughout the body, so when levels are low, it can lead to many health problems. Iron deficiency can affect people of all ages, but it is prevalent in women, especially those who are pregnant or have heavy periods.

It can also affect people with gastrointestinal disorders, such as celiac disease, inflammatory bowel disease, or those who have undergone weight loss surgery. If left untreated, iron deficiency can lead to anemia, a condition in which the body doesn’t have enough healthy red blood cells to carry oxygen to the body’s tissues and organs. Symptoms of iron deficiency can range from mild to severe including fatigue, weakness, shortness of breath, pale skin, and brittle nails.

In this article, we will discuss the

10 telltale signs of iron deficiency:

1. Fatigue and weakness:

One of the most common symptoms of iron deficiency is feeling tired and weak. This is because, without enough iron, the body can’t produce enough healthy red blood cells to carry oxygen to the cells, leading to a lack of energy.

2. Shortness of breath:

Iron deficiency can also cause shortness of breath, especially during physical activity. This is because the body’s tissues and muscles aren’t getting enough oxygen, leading to difficulty breathing.

3. Pale skin:

Iron deficiency can cause the skin to appear pale or washed out. This is because the body doesn’t have enough healthy red blood cells responsible for giving the skin its colour.

4. Cold hands and feet:

Iron deficiency can cause the hands and feet to feel cold, even in warm environments. This is because the body doesn’t have enough healthy red blood cells to keep the body warm.

5. Rapid heartbeat:

Iron deficiency can cause the heart to beat faster than expected, even when the body is at rest. This is because the heart has to work harder to pump oxygen-depleted blood throughout the body.

6. Brittle nails:

Iron deficiency can cause the nails to become brittle and break easily. This is because the body doesn’t have enough healthy red blood cells to keep the nails strong and healthy.

7. Dry and damaged hair:

Iron deficiency can cause the hair to become dry and damaged, leading to breakage and split ends. This is because the hair isn’t getting enough oxygen and nutrients to stay healthy.

8. Poor appetite:

Iron deficiency can cause a loss of appetite, leading to weight loss and malnutrition. This is because the body doesn’t have enough healthy red blood cells to carry oxygen to the digestive system, making it difficult to process food properly.

9. Mouth sores:

Iron deficiency can cause painful mouth sores, especially on the tongue and inside of the cheeks. This is because the body doesn’t have enough healthy red blood cells to keep the mouth tissues healthy.

10. Headaches:

Iron deficiency can cause headaches, especially in pregnant women or having heavy periods. This is because the body doesn’t have enough healthy red blood cells to carry oxygen to the brain, leading to a lack of oxygen and increased headache-causing chemicals.

Let us answer some of the FAQs

1. What can be mistaken for iron-deficiency?

There are a few conditions that can be mistaken for iron-deficiency anemia, including other types of anemia and other medical conditions that can cause similar symptoms.

For example,

• Anemia of chronic disease: which is caused by chronic inflammation, can cause symptoms that are similar to those of iron-deficiency anemia, such as fatigue and weakness.
• Thalassemia: another condition that can cause symptoms similar to iron-deficiency anemia, is a genetic blood disorder, and
• Sideroblastic anemia: a condition in which the body is unable to produce healthy red blood cells. It’s important to consult a doctor if you have symptoms of anemia so that they can properly diagnose the cause and recommend the appropriate treatment.

2. What are the first signs of low iron?

The first signs of low iron levels, or iron-deficiency anemia, can include fatigue, weakness, and pale skin. Other common symptoms of iron-deficiency anemia include shortness of breath, dizziness, and a rapid heartbeat. Some people may also experience cravings for non-food items, such as dirt or ice, which is a condition known as pica. If left untreated, iron-deficiency anemia can cause serious complications, such as an increased risk of infection, heart problems, and difficulty with pregnancy. If you think you may be experiencing symptoms of low iron levels, it’s important to consult a doctor for a proper diagnosis and treatment.

3. What are the 3 stages of iron deficiency?

Iron deficiency is typically classified into three stages:

• Pre-latent iron deficiency,
• Latent iron deficiency, and
• Iron-deficiency anemia.

Pre-latent iron deficiency is the earliest stage of iron deficiency, in which the body’s iron stores are depleted but the body is still able to maintain normal red blood cell production.

Latent iron deficiency is the next stage, in which the body’s iron stores are severely depleted and the body is unable to produce enough red blood cells to meet its needs.

Iron-deficiency anemia is the final stage of iron deficiency, in which the body is unable to produce enough healthy red blood cells to carry oxygen throughout the body. At this stage, anemia symptoms, such as fatigue and weakness, may become more pronounced. It’s important to diagnose and treat iron deficiency before it progresses to the later stages to avoid complications.

4. Iron Deficiency Test

There are a few tests that can be used to diagnose iron deficiency, including a

• Complete blood count (CBC) and
• Serum ferritin test.

A CBC is a blood test that measures the levels of red blood cells, white blood cells, and platelets in the blood, as well as the amount of hemoglobin, a protein that carries oxygen in the blood. A low hemoglobin level can be a sign of iron deficiency.

A serum ferritin test measures the amount of ferritin, a protein that stores iron in the body, in the blood. Low levels of ferritin can indicate iron deficiency. Other tests that may be used to diagnose iron deficiency include a serum iron test, which measures the amount of iron in the blood, and a transferrin saturation test, which measures the amount of iron that is bound to a protein called transferrin in the blood. Your doctor will recommend the appropriate tests based on your symptoms and medical history.

5 weird signs of iron deficiency

Here are five unusual signs of iron deficiency:

1. Pica: Pica is a condition in which a person has cravings for non-food items, such as dirt or ice. This can be a sign of iron deficiency because the body may be trying to compensate for a lack of nutrients by seeking out alternative sources of minerals.
2. Spoon-shaped nails: Iron deficiency can cause the nails to become brittle and develop a concave, or spoon-shaped, appearance.
3. Restless legs syndrome: Restless legs syndrome is a condition in which a person experiences an uncomfortable sensation in their legs, often accompanied by an irresistible urge to move them. This can be a sign of iron deficiency because the body may not have enough iron to produce healthy red blood cells, which can cause a lack of oxygen in the muscles.
4. Dry and damaged hair: Iron deficiency can cause the hair to become dry, brittle, and easily damaged.
5. Swollen tongue: Iron deficiency can cause the tongue to become swollen and inflamed, which can make it difficult to eat and speak.

It’s important to note that these signs can also be caused by other medical conditions, so it’s always a good idea to consult a doctor if you have any concerns.

Final Thoughts

In conclusion, iron deficiency is a common condition that occurs when the body doesn’t have enough iron. It can cause various symptoms, including fatigue, weakness, shortness of breath, pale skin, and brittle nails. If left untreated, iron deficiency can lead to anemia. If you’re experiencing any iron deficiency symptoms, you must talk to your doctor. They can perform a blood test to determine if you have iron deficiency and recommend treatment options, such as iron supplements or changes to your diet. By treating iron deficiency, you can help to improve your overall health and well-being.