Am I At Risk?
Certain groups are at greater risk for iron deficiency anemia, including:
● Women: Because women lose blood during menstruation, they are at a greater risk of becoming iron deficient. This is especially true in women who have heavy periods. An average cycle should result in about three tablespoons of blood loss each month, and then the body has ample time to replace the blood that is shed. Women who menstruate heavily may lose as much as twice the blood that they are able to reproduce.
● Infants and Children: Infants may be at risk for iron deficiency if they don't get enough of the nutrient from breast milk or if their formula doesn’t contain enough of it. Young children need additional iron during growth spurts, so they may be at risk for iron deficiency during periods of quick growth. Children who are picky eaters may not get enough of the nutrients that they need, putting them at an increased risk of developing this condition.
● Vegetarians: People who don’t eat meat, a good source of iron, may be at a greater risk for developing iron deficiency anemia, especially if they don't take supplements or consume appropriate amounts of iron-rich foods to meet their daily requirements.
This condition is often asymptomatic, or symptoms are so subtle that the condition goes unnoticed. However, in more serious or advanced cases, there are a number of symptoms that develop, including:
Extreme Fatigue
Fatigue is the most common symptom of iron deficiency, although it is often the most overlooked. Because many people have hectic, tiring schedules, they may attribute fatigue to daily stresses and routines. However, fatigue accompanied by other symptoms, especially weakness, inability to focus or irritability, may require a visit to your doctor to find out if you have iron-deficient anemia.
Pale Skin
Hemoglobin, the substance that the body produces with the help of iron, gives skin its pigment and rosy glow. When a person becomes iron deficient, hemoglobin levels drop, and they appear pale. This symptom is easier to spot in patients who have lighter complexions, although it can be detected more easily by checking the redness of your lips, gums and the insides of your bottom eyelids. If these spots appear pale, you may be iron deficient.
Shortness of Breath
Because iron deficiency prevents the body from getting enough oxygen, patients with this condition often report feeling shortness of breath or a sense of breathlessness, especially when performing normal daily activities. If you find that you’re winded after climbing a flight of stairs or performing regular chores that you used to be just fine handling, you may be iron deficient.
Chest Pain or Rapid Heartbeat
Because the blood isn’t able to retain as much oxygen as it should, the heart has to beat faster and harder to keep up with the body’s needs, which can put stress on the organ. Patients with severe iron deficiency may develop heart problems that can range from irregular heartbeats to congestive heart failure. More severe complications are unusual and typically only occur with severe iron deficiency over a prolonged period. However, because iron deficiency can exacerbate existing heart problems, patients with existing heart conditions should have iron levels monitored regularly.
Hair Loss
When iron deficiency becomes particularly severe, it can lead to hair loss. Because the body has been forced into survival mode due to restricted oxygen, it refocuses oxygen to supporting vital body functions, rather than functions like preserving hair roots.
Frequent Infections
Patients who are iron deficient may be susceptible to greater and longer-lasting infections. Several studies have shown that infants with iron deficiency were at a greater risk of developing respiratory infections while other studies have found mixed results on the efficacy of iron supplements for managing diseases like malaria.
Headaches
When the brain doesn't get enough oxygen, the arteries can swell to allow more blood flow and maximize oxygen to the brain, which can lead to headaches.
Dizziness/Lightheadedness
According to the Merck Manual Home Edition, iron deficiency can cause the brain to develop an oxygen shortage, which leads to a sensation of dizziness or lightheadedness. Iron deficiency can lead to low blood pressure, which is caused by the blood not properly oxygenating the heart and blood vessels and may cause the same symptoms.
Brittle Nails/Deformed Nails
The color of your nail beds may indicate whether or not you are anemic -- patients may have pale to white nail beds that indicate a low red blood cell (RBC) count. Patients with iron deficiency may have brittle nails or thin, concave nail beds. Iron deficiency can also lead to nails with raised ridges.
Pica
Pica, or unusual cravings for substances that have no nutritional value, such as ice, dirt or starch, is a common symptom in patients with iron deficiency anemia. This is also true for patients who are zinc-deficient, so if you or a loved one has developed unusual cravings, you may want to schedule an appointment to have your nutrient levels checked. This may be especially true in young children, especially those who are picky eaters.
Restless Leg Syndrome
Patients with an iron deficiency may develop an uncomfortable or disruptive tingling or crawling sensation in the legs, a condition known as restless legs syndrome. The condition may be mild or may become severe to the point where it disrupts sleep and makes sitting for periods of time uncomfortable.
If you have any of these signs, then visit your doctor. It's important to rule out other more serious conditions and get the right advice about treating nutrient deficiencies.