Iron Deficiency Symptoms

Feeling tired all the time? Out of breath walking up the stairs? These can be early signs of low iron and if you are experiencing these symptoms, you are not alone. Iron deficiency is one of the most common nutritional deficiencies in the world. The signs can be easy to miss at first, but they tend to get worse over time. Read on to learn more about iron deficiency symptoms, what causes them, and when it is time to talk to a healthcare professional.

What Is Iron Deficiency Anemia?

Your body uses iron to make hemoglobin, which is the part of red blood cells that carries oxygen from your lungs to the rest of your body. When iron runs low, your body makes fewer and smaller red blood cells. That means less oxygen reaches your tissues.

Iron deficiency is the most common cause of anemia. In the early stage, your iron stores drop but you may not feel different. As stores run out, hemoglobin falls and iron deficiency symptoms appear.

The condition usually develops slowly, which is why many people do not notice it right away.

Common Iron Deficiency Symptoms to Watch For

Iron deficiency symptoms often start mild and build over time. Knowing what to look for can help you catch low iron early.

Early signs of low iron

In the early stages, you may notice:

• Feeling weak or unusually tired
• Pale skin
• Headaches
• Trouble concentrating
• Feeling cranky or irritable

These signs of low iron are easy to brush off as stress or a busy week. But if they stick around, you need to pay attention to them.

Symptoms as anemia gets worse

As iron levels keep dropping, more noticeable symptoms can show up:

• Shortness of breath, especially with activity
• Fast or pounding heartbeat
• Dizziness or light headedness
• Cold hands and feet
• Brittle or spoon-shaped nails
• A sore or smooth tongue
• Restless legs
• Pica which is a craving for non-food items like ice or paper

It is recommended you speak to your healthcare practitioner for personalized guidance if you notice any of these symptoms.

Questions People Ask

Is shortness of breath a symptom of iron deficiency?
Yes. With less hemoglobin, your body works harder to deliver oxygen, which can leave you breathless during normal activity.

Are headaches a symptom of iron deficiency?
They can be. Reduced oxygen flow to the brain may trigger headaches, often along with dizziness or trouble focusing.

Is chewing ice a symptom of iron deficiency?
Yes. A craving to chew ice is a part of a condition called pica which is a known sign of low iron.

Is hair loss a symptom of iron deficiency?
Iron deficiency can affect hair, nails, and skin, since iron supports healthy cell growth throughout the body.

What Causes Low Iron?

Low iron usually occurs due to one of three reasons. The first is blood loss, since blood carries iron. Heavy periods, slow bleeding from ulcers or other digestive problems, and frequent blood donation can all lower iron levels. The second is not getting enough iron from food. Iron-rich foods include meat, poultry, seafood, beans, dark leafy greens, and iron-fortified cereals.

People who follow vegetarian or vegan diets may need to plan more carefully to meet their needs.

The third cause is having trouble absorbing iron. Conditions like celiac disease and inflammatory bowel disease, or surgeries that change the stomach or small intestine, can all reduce how much iron the body takes in. Pregnancy also raises iron needs because the body has more blood to support the baby.

Who Is at Higher Risk?

Some groups are more likely to develop low iron and the symptoms that come with it:

• People who have heavy periods
• Pregnant or breastfeeding people
• Teenagers during growth spurts
• Vegetarians and vegans who may not eat enough iron-rich plant foods
• People with digestive conditions or who have had stomach or bowel surgery
• Frequent blood donors

If you fall into one of these groups and notice ongoing symptoms, speak to your family doctor about iron supplementation.

When to Talk to a Healthcare Professional

If you recognize iron deficiency symptoms in yourself, discuss your concerns with your healthcare professional. A simple blood test can confirm whether your iron is low. If you have iron deficiency or iron deficiency anemia, take a look at your diet to see where you can add in more iron-rich foods. If your symptoms persists, ask about iron supplements such as OptiFer Alpha.

References

Mayo Clinic: Iron Deficiency Anemia – Symptoms and Causes

Johns Hopkins Medicine: Iron-Deficiency Anemia

Hematology.org: Iron-Deficiency Anemia

HealthLink BC: Iron Deficiency Anemia

Cleveland Clinic: Iron-Deficiency Anemia: Symptoms, Causes & Treatment