An important vitamin that supports many vital bodily processes is iron. In addition to producing red blood cells, iron maintains the body’s normal blood oxygen supply. This promotes the health of the kidneys, lungs, heart, and brain. Thus, an iron deficit impairs health and results in anemia. Anemia from iron deficiency is more common in women.
8 Signs And Symptoms Of Iron Deficiency
1. Pain in the Chest
You can be iron deficient if you have pain or discomfort in your chest. One sign of severe iron deficiency anemia is chest discomfort. Usually, it occurs as a result of your body not getting enough oxygen. Pressure and discomfort are brought on by the heart having to work harder to pump more blood as a result. You could experience perspiration and worry when you have chest discomfort, which might seem like an abrupt pressure on your chest.
2. Dizziness
One common sign of iron insufficiency is dizziness. Reduced red blood cell counts have an impact on the body’s ability to operate properly and reduced oxygen levels. This causes lightheadedness and dizziness. You could find it difficult to concentrate and remain motionless if your body is not getting enough oxygen. It might make you dizzy and make you lose your equilibrium.
3. Shortness Of Breath
Your body struggles continuously to make more oxygen when there are low amounts of hemoglobin or red blood cells because of low iron. This alters the flow of oxygen and interferes with lung function. Breathlessness, asphyxia, and hyperventilation ensue from this. Breathlessness indicates the severity of iron deficient anemia.
4. Headache
Headaches are one of the most typical signs of iron deficiency, despite the fact that they can arise for many different reasons. The National Institutes of Health state that iron deficiency anemia can result in daily, severe headaches. A decrease in blood oxygen levels and a reduced oxygen flow to the brain may be the cause of this. This may result in a headache by interfering with the brain’s normal function.
5. Fatigue
One extremely typical sign of anemia is fatigue. The body’s complete oxygen supply, including the muscles and tissues, is reduced by an iron deficit. You could get weary easily from this. It may also result in bodily pain and cramping in the muscles. You can feel worn out from carrying out your regular tasks.
6. Insufficient Appetite
Low iron levels in the body may be the cause of your lack of appetite. Loss of appetite may result from low levels of the hunger hormone ghrelin, which is caused by iron deficiency. The stomach produces this hormone, which controls appetite and mood related to hunger. Reduced ghrelin promotes appetite loss, which exacerbates symptoms and leads to malnutrition.
7. Pale Skin and Brittle Nails
Your nails and skin may be giving you a warning if they have become darker recently. Skin and nail health can be impacted by an iron deficiency. You could develop spoon-shaped, brittle, and discolored nails. Low iron also results in fewer capillaries beneath the skin, which is what gives skin its characteristic pink hue. The skin tone becomes pale and yellowish as a result.
8. Hair Loss
A shortage in iron is one of the many causes of hair loss. It might stop hair from growing and result in hair loss. Iron deficiency and low oxygen delivery to the hair can interfere with the hormone that promotes hair growth and result in hair loss. However, you can prevent this by consuming enough iron.