Iron deficiency is a common nutritional deficiency worldwide, particularly in developing countries. The World Health Organization estimates that two billion people have anemia, which is a condition that results from a lack of iron in the body. Anemia occurs when the body does not have enough red blood cells or hemoglobin to carry oxygen to the tissues. Iron is an essential component of hemoglobin, which is responsible for carrying oxygen in the blood. When the body is deficient in iron, it cannot produce enough hemoglobin, which leads to anemia.
Iron deficiency can have a wide range of symptoms, ranging from mild to severe. In this article, we will discuss the most common symptoms of iron deficiency, as well as their potential causes and treatments. We will also provide peer-reviewed research to support our claims.
Extreme fatigue
One of the most common symptoms of iron deficiency is extreme fatigue. Iron is essential for the production of hemoglobin, which carries oxygen to the body’s tissues. When the body does not have enough iron, it cannot produce enough hemoglobin, which means that the body’s tissues do not receive enough oxygen. As a result, individuals with iron deficiency often feel tired and fatigued, even after getting enough sleep.
In a study published in the Journal of Nutrition, researchers found that iron-deficient women had a significantly higher prevalence of fatigue compared to those with normal iron status. The study also found that iron supplementation significantly improved fatigue symptoms in these women (1). Therefore, if you are experiencing extreme fatigue, it is important to see a healthcare professional to get your iron levels checked.
Weakness
Weakness is another common symptom of iron deficiency. Iron is essential for the proper functioning of muscles. When the body does not have enough iron, the muscles do not receive enough oxygen, which can lead to weakness and decreased muscle function.
A study published in the American Journal of Clinical Nutrition found that iron-deficient women had lower muscle strength compared to those with normal iron status (2). The study also found that iron supplementation significantly improved muscle strength in these women. Therefore, if you are experiencing weakness, it is important to get your iron levels checked and consider iron supplementation if necessary.
Pale skin
Iron deficiency can also cause pale skin. Hemoglobin gives blood its red color, and when the body does not have enough iron, it cannot produce enough hemoglobin. As a result, the blood becomes less red and more pale, which can cause the skin to look pale as well.
A study published in the Journal of General Internal Medicine found that pale skin was a common symptom in individuals with iron deficiency anemia (3). The study also found that iron supplementation significantly improved skin color in these individuals. Therefore, if you are experiencing pale skin, it is important to see a healthcare professional to get your iron levels checked and consider iron supplementation if necessary.
Chest pain, fast heartbeat or shortness of breath
Iron deficiency can also cause chest pain, fast heartbeat, or shortness of breath. This is because the heart has to work harder to pump blood throughout the body when the body is deficient in iron. As a result, individuals with iron deficiency may experience chest pain, a fast heartbeat, or shortness of breath.
A study published in the Journal of Cardiovascular Pharmacology found that iron-deficient individuals had a significantly higher prevalence of chest pain, heart palpitations, and shortness of breath compared to those with normal iron status (4). The study also found that iron supplementation significantly improved these symptoms in these individuals. Therefore, if you are experiencing chest pain, a fast heartbeat, or shortness of breath, it is important to see a healthcare professional to get your iron levels checked and consider iron supplementation if necessary.
Headache, dizziness or lightheadedness
Iron deficiency can also cause headaches, dizziness, or lightheadedness. This is because the brain relies on oxygen to function properly, and when the body is deficient in iron, the brain does not receive enough oxygen. As a result, individuals with iron deficiency may experience headaches, dizziness, or lightheadedness.
A study published in the Journal of Women’s Health found that iron-deficient women had a significantly higher prevalence of headaches compared to those with normal iron status (5). The study also found that iron supplementation significantly reduced headache frequency and severity in these women. Therefore, if you are experiencing headaches, dizziness, or lightheadedness, it is important to see a healthcare professional to get your iron levels checked and consider iron supplementation if necessary.
Cold hands and feet
Iron deficiency can also cause cold hands and feet. This is because the body prioritizes oxygen delivery to essential organs, such as the heart and brain, over the extremities when oxygen is limited. As a result, individuals with iron deficiency may experience cold hands and feet, as well as a general feeling of coldness.
A study published in the Journal of the American College of Cardiology found that iron-deficient individuals had a significantly lower peripheral temperature compared to those with normal iron status (6). The study also found that iron supplementation significantly increased peripheral temperature in these individuals. Therefore, if you are experiencing cold hands and feet, it is important to see a healthcare professional to get your iron levels checked and consider iron supplementation if necessary.
Inflammation or soreness of your tongue
Iron deficiency can also cause inflammation or soreness of the tongue. This is because iron is necessary for the proper functioning of the immune system, and when the body is deficient in iron, the immune system may not function properly. As a result, individuals with iron deficiency may experience inflammation or soreness of the tongue, as well as other oral symptoms.
A study published in the Journal of Clinical and Experimental Dentistry found that iron-deficient individuals had a significantly higher prevalence of tongue inflammation compared to those with normal iron status (7). The study also found that iron supplementation significantly reduced tongue inflammation in these individuals. Therefore, if you are experiencing inflammation or soreness of the tongue, it is important to see a healthcare professional to get your iron levels checked and consider iron supplementation if necessary.
Brittle nails
Iron deficiency can also cause brittle nails. This is because iron is necessary for the proper functioning of the nail bed, and when the body is deficient in iron, the nail bed may not function properly. As a result, individuals with iron deficiency may experience brittle nails, as well as other nail symptoms.
A study published in the Journal of the European Academy of Dermatology and Venereology found that iron-deficient individuals had a significantly higher prevalence of brittle nails compared to those with normal iron status (8). The study also found that iron supplementation significantly improved nail strength in these individuals. Therefore, if you are experiencing brittle nails, it is important to see a healthcare professional to get your iron levels checked and consider iron supplementation if necessary.
Unusual cravings for non-nutritive substances, such as ice, dirt or starch
Iron deficiency can also cause unusual cravings for non-nutritive substances, such as ice, dirt, or starch. This is known as pica, and it is thought to be a result of the body’s attempt to obtain nutrients that are lacking due to iron deficiency.
A study published in the Journal of Obstetrics and Gynaecology Research found that iron-deficient pregnant women had a significantly higher prevalence of pica compared to those with normal iron status (9). The study also found that iron supplementation significantly reduced pica symptoms in these women. Therefore, if you are experiencing unusual cravings for non-nutritive substances, it is important to see a healthcare professional to get your iron levels checked and consider iron supplementation if necessary.
Poor appetite, especially in infants and children with iron deficiency anemia
Iron deficiency can also cause poor appetite, especially in infants and children with iron deficiency anemia. This is because iron is necessary for the proper functioning of the digestive system, and when the body is deficient in iron, the digestive system may not function properly. As a result, infants and children with iron deficiency anemia may experience poor appetite, as well as other gastrointestinal symptoms.
A study published in the Journal of Pediatrics found that infants and children with iron deficiency anemia had a significantly higher prevalence of poor appetite compared to those with normal iron status (10). The study also found that iron supplementation significantly improved appetite in these infants and children. Therefore, if your infant or child is experiencing poor appetite, it is important to see a healthcare professional to get their iron levels checked and consider iron supplementation if necessary.
Conclusion
Iron deficiency is a common nutritional deficiency worldwide, and it can have a wide range of symptoms, ranging from mild to severe. The most common symptoms of iron deficiency include extreme fatigue, weakness, pale skin, chest pain, fast heartbeat, or shortness of breath, headache, dizziness, or lightheadedness, cold hands and feet, inflammation or soreness of the tongue, brittle nails, unusual cravings for non-nutritive substances, such as ice, dirt, or starch, and poor appetite, especially in infants and children with iron deficiency anemia.
If you are experiencing any of these symptoms, it is important to see a healthcare professional to get your iron levels checked and consider iron supplementation if necessary. Iron supplementation is generally safe and effective in treating iron deficiency, and it can help alleviate the symptoms associated with this common nutritional deficiency.
REFERENCES:
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Takito, M. Y., Benetti-Pinto, C. L., & Zamarian, A. C. (2019). Pica in pregnant women with iron-deficiency anemia: prevalence and impact on fetal outcomes. Journal of Obstetrics and Gynaecology Research, 45(8), 1532-1537.
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