Iron deficiency is among the most prevalent nutritional deficiencies in the world, and it can affect individuals of all age groups. Iron plays a crucial role in the production of hemoglobin, the oxygen transport protein in red blood cells. When iron availability is limited, the body will not function correctly, and symptoms will soon become apparent. Identifying visible signs early on could help a patient seek timely medical advice and intervention to alleviate the inevitable event of some symptoms progressing into anemic levels. In this article, we will discuss different symptoms that might indicate low iron levels in the body.
- Fatigue and Weakness
Often, one of the first and most prominent symptoms of iron deficiency is a state of ongoing tiredness. If someone is iron-deficient, their body simply cannot produce enough hemoglobin for their needs, and thus their muscles and tissues, and blood will have inadequate oxygen transport. This frequently will lead to low energy, producing an inability to concentrate and feeling weak over an extended period despite adequate rest.
- Pale or Yellow Skin
A very visible manifestation of iron deficiency is paleness of the skin. Hemoglobin provides blood with its red color and is also responsible for your natural tone of the skin coloration. When hemoglobin level drops relatively low, skin can take on a hue that resembles paleness or even yellow; pale skin is usually most apparent in the face and lower eyelids as well as on the fingernails. Physicians often check the lower eyelids for early signs of anemia.
- Brittle Nails and Hair Loss
If the nails of a person have become brittle, thinner than usual, and have started to form spoon-shaped curves (a condition known as koilonychia), they could be a sign of iron deficiency. Likewise, a lack of iron can weaken hair roots, resulting in diffuse (widespread) hair loss, and can result in thicker-looking hair. These signs are usually ignored, but can be important warning symptoms.
- Shortness of Breath
Low hemoglobin levels indicate that less oxygen is being delivered to the tissues of the body. This forces the heart and lungs to work harder. If a person is experiencing shortness of breath even after simple daily life activities, it might indicate that they have low iron levels.
- Unusual Cravings (Pica)
Iron not only provides for hemoglobin, but deficiencies can also cause the condition called pica, in which a person craves only non-food items, such as ice, clay, chalk, or even paper. While a scientific rationale as to why this occurs is unclear, the condition of pica is considered a definite sign of an extreme deficiency of iron and must be evaluated by a medical professional as soon as possible.
- Headaches & Dizziness
Another visible sign of iron deficiency is recurrent headaches and dizziness. If hemoglobin levels drop, and the amount of oxygen available to the brain decreases, blood vessels can swell, putting pressure on the brain, which creates pain. This symptom can be especially prevalent in women, during menses, when onlookers factors often lead to a further decrease in iron levels.
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