10 signs that indicate iron deficiency
Iron is a mineral that the body uses to make hemoglobin. Hemoglobin is a protein in red blood cells that, with the participation of iron, ensures the transport of oxygen. If iron levels are insufficient, the amount of hemoglobin decreases and, accordingly, the process of supplying tissues and cells with oxygen also decreases.
Iron deficiency is the most common cause of anemia. This is a condition in which the level of healthy red blood cells is low (called iron deficiency anemia).
It is possible to have an iron deficiency in the body without anemia, although iron deficiency is often the first step that ultimately leads to the development of anemia.
There are many causes of iron deficiency. Iron deficiency can be caused by dietary restrictions (veganism, vegetarianism) or diseases that inhibit iron absorption. The patient's age, gender, and medical history also need to be considered.
Regardless of the cause, there are signs that may indicate anemia and iron deficiency:
1. Constant fatigue and decreased endurance to physical exertion
When iron levels in the body are low, oxygen delivery to the brain and muscles is disrupted, leading to physical and mental exhaustion, decreased energy, and general weakness.
Intolerance to physical exertion or rapid fatigue during exercise is also a common symptom of iron deficiency. In this condition, a person is unable to withstand the usual exertion.
2. MoodდაCognitivechanges
Iron plays a number of important roles in the body:
- Production and metabolism of brain chemicals (serotonin, dopamine, noradrenaline)
- Synthesis of myelin (a protective sheath around nerve fibers that is essential for nerve cell function and communication)
- Transport of oxygen from the lungs to the tissues
- Generation of energy and DNA
When iron levels in the body are low, the above processes are disrupted, leading to various emotional and cognitive changes, such as:
- Depressed/depressed mood
- A sharp decrease in interest and pleasure (anhedonia)
- Anxiety and irritability
- Impaired attention, reasoning, and concentration
- Blurred thinking (“brain fog”)
- Impaired ability to remember new material and memory (amnesia)
3. Headache
Low iron levels disrupt oxygen transport to the brain and can cause headaches or migraine-like pain.
Without treatment, iron deficiency progresses to anemia.
The severity of iron deficiency anemia in women with migraine is directly related to the frequency and duration of attacks.
4. Dizziness
Like the other symptoms listed above, a lack of oxygen supply to the brain is manifested by dizziness.
Dizziness is a general term that includes the following sensations:
- Vertigo – a feeling of spinning of the environment
- Loss of balance – a feeling of instability or imbalance
- Feeling of heart failure
5. Pica
It is a condition where a person has a desire to consume non-food substances as food, and this is related to a deficiency in one or another nutrient, including iron.
These substances are:
- Clay or soil
- Paper products — cardboard
- Cornstarch, raw rice
- ცარცი
- Eggshell
- საღებავი
- Coffee grounds
- Baby powder is different.
6.Restless legs syndrome
Restless legs syndrome is characterized by unpleasant sensations in the legs and an irresistible urge to move the legs, especially at rest - at night, during sleep.
The unpleasant sensations and urge to move the legs partially or completely disappear with physical activity, such as stretching or walking. However, as soon as the activity is stopped, the symptoms return.
Researchers believe the syndrome is caused by a disorder in the metabolism of dopamine, a brain chemical that regulates movement, caused by low levels of iron in the brain.
7. Skin, hair, and nail injuries
Iron ensures the maintenance of a healthy immune system. The vitality, texture and tone of the skin, hair and nails.
Depending on the degree of iron deficiency, various signs may appear:
- Paleness or a yellowish tinge to the skin. Paleness of the mucous membranes of the eyes is also noted.
- Dry, brittle hair or hair loss (alopecia)
- Brittle nails that may eventually become ingrown (koilonychia)
- Angular cheilitis — dryness and peeling of the corners of the lips, often followed by infection
- Delayed healing of skin wounds
8. Feeling cold
When a person is iron deficient, they are more sensitive to low ambient temperatures.
During a lack of oxygen supply, peripheral blood vessels (limbs and exposed parts of the body) reflexively constrict to conserve body heat, which reduces blood circulation in these regions and causes a feeling of cold.
In addition to feeling cold, iron deficiency can cause the following in the extremities:
- Pain or discomfort
- Tingling and numbness (paresthesia)
- Chills or shivering
- Weakness
9. Difficulty breathing
A lack of hemoglobin leads to hypoxemia — a decrease in the level of oxygen in the blood. As a result, breathing may become more rapid and a person may begin to have difficulty breathing.
Studies indicate that iron deficiency causes narrowing of the blood vessels in the lungs, which further worsens dizziness, fatigue, and shortness of breath, especially during physical activity.
10. Heart fluttering
During iron deficiency, the level of oxygen in the blood decreases, forcing the heart to contract more often and more forcefully to deliver oxygen to vital organs.
Of the heart
Overactive heart rate can lead to palpitations, a condition where a person can clearly feel their heartbeat. This sensation is often described as:
- Fast beat
- Missed shots
- A "wing-like" sensation in the chest
- Feeling restless with a rapid heartbeat
When to see a doctor?
If one or more of the following symptoms make you suspect that you may have iron deficiency or anemia, it is best to consult a doctor and schedule the tests necessary to diagnose these conditions:
- General blood test
- Determination of iron in serum
- Determination of ferritin and transferrin
- Determination of vitamin B12 and folate (B9) levels
Order tests online
Resources
https://health.clevelandclinic.org/signs-of-iron-deficiency
https://www.verywellhealth.com/low-iron-symptoms-11802492
