Essential for the production of hemoglobin in the body, nutritional iron plays a crucial function in carrying oxygen to the different organs. Iron deficiency can occur for various reasons, such as insufficient nutrition and underlying health problems. It is one of the most prevalent nutritional health disorders globally but often remains undiagnosed due to its subtle and varied symptoms. Therefore, one must know the common signs of iron deficiency for timely diagnosis and treatment.

Signs of iron deficiency

Feeling unusually tired
One of the most common signs of iron deficiency is constant tiredness. This tiredness occurs even without doing any physically strenuous work. Even a slight drop in iron can bring down energy levels, making one feel fatigued. The constant fatigue is due to insufficient oxygen in the blood. The iron supports the production of hemoglobin, a protein that transports oxygen to different organs. Without enough iron, hemoglobin levels go down. So does the level of oxygen, leading to tiredness.

The skin may appear unusually pale
One of the most noticeable signs of iron deficiency is the skin losing its healthy color. This can be observed by looking at the inside of the eyelids, which may appear paler than usual, taking on a white or yellowish hue. In more severe cases, the creases on the palms of the hands may also turn pale. This happens due to a decrease in hemoglobin levels caused by the lack of iron in the body. Hemoglobin is responsible for giving blood its characteristic red color. When iron levels drop, hemoglobin production is affected, causing the blood to lose its redness. This, in turn, causes the skin to appear less vibrant and less warm.

Frequent shortness of breath
The crucial function of hemoglobin is to facilitate the transportation of oxygen by the red blood cells to the body’s various organs. When the hemoglobin levels drop due to insufficient iron levels, the oxygen levels in the body also decrease. This leads to a lack of oxygen supply to the muscles and organs, making it difficult for them to perform their functions. The body struggles to keep up with the demands of daily activities, and even simple tasks like climbing stairs, running on the treadmill, or lifting objects become challenging. The body’s breathing rate increases as it tries to compensate for the lack of oxygen, causing one to feel out of breath and tired quickly.

Recurring headaches
Severe iron deficiency leading to anemia can harm the optimal functioning of various organs in the body. Insufficient blood supply can hamper the body’s ability to distribute oxygen and nutrients properly. In case of inadequate blood flow to the brain, the blood vessels begin to enlarge, elevating the pressure within the brain, which can result in recurring headaches. Additionally, the lack of blood supply to the brain may cause feelings of lightheadedness or dizziness.

Heart palpitations
Iron deficiency can lead to low hemoglobin levels, reducing oxygen supply. As a result, the heart has to work harder to transport the oxygen, which can cause an increase in heart rate and irregular heartbeats. If one experiences heart palpitations, seeing a doctor for a physical examination is essential to determine the underlying cause and receive appropriate treatment.

Having unusual cravings
Iron deficiency can manifest peculiarly, often affecting children and pregnant women. The telltale sign of this condition is an intense craving for bizarre and sometimes inedible substances such as chalk, ice, or paper. This unusual behavior is the body’s way of replenishing depleted iron stores. Also known as pica, this condition is usually temporary and subsides as soon as iron levels in the body start to increase.

Dry hair and skin
Dry skin and hair may result from iron deficiency. As iron deficiency leads to low hemoglobin levels in the blood, the cells in the skin and hair receive less oxygen. This starts to impair hair growth and causes the skin to lose its natural hydration. In some cases, hair loss may also occur, with more than usual hair falling out while brushing and washing.

Restless legs syndrome
Restless legs syndrome causes strong urges to move the legs even when a person is at rest. Sometimes, the legs and feet have unpleasant itching or crawling sensations. These symptoms generally worsen at night, disrupting sleep. While the exact cause of restless leg syndrome is not known, it is often observed to be closely associated with iron deficiency. As iron levels deteriorate in the body, the risk for restless legs syndrome goes high.

Brittle or spoon-shaped nails
Koilonychia, also known as spoon-shaped fingernails, is a common sign of iron deficiency that can indicate an underlying health condition. Initially, brittle nails that easily crack and chip are the first symptoms of iron deficiency. This can progress to the point where the nails start to become spoon-shaped, with the middle of the nail dipping down and the edges rising, giving a round appearance that resembles a spoon. This occurs due to the lack of iron in the body, which affects the production of hemoglobin in the blood and oxygen delivery to the nail bed. This condition is usually reversible and temporary, and the nails will return to their natural shape once iron deficiency is treated.