Iron is an essential mineral that the body uses to support growth and development, support red blood cell production, enhance immune function, etc. However, if you are iron deficient, your body does not have enough iron to make a protein in red blood cells called hemoglobin.
Hemoglobin cells, which carry oxygen throughout the body, require iron, vitamin B, and folic acid. Since the body cannot produce iron, it must be supplied through the diet.
There are two types of iron in food: heme iron and non-heme iron. Heme iron is found in red meat, poultry, and pork, and is most easily absorbed by the body. Non-heme iron is not as easily absorbed by the body, but is still a good source of iron and is necessary if you do not eat meat. Foods rich in this type of iron include green vegetables, iron-fortified breakfast cereals, breads, pasta, tofu, beans, dried fruit, and eggs.
The best way to know if you're getting enough iron is to have a blood test to check your complete blood count (CBC). However, there are some warning signs that your body may be low in iron:
1. Iron deficiency can cause fatigue
When the body does not produce enough hemoglobin, it begins to have difficulty circulating enough oxygen throughout the body. This can cause iron deficiency anemia, which is known to take a toll on energy levels, leaving you feeling tired. This symptom is often overlooked, especially in women.
Fatigue and iron deficiency are both quite common in women.
2. Heavy menstrual bleeding
According to University College London (UCL), some studies estimate that up to 90% of girls and women with heavy menstrual bleeding are also iron deficient. This is because heavy periods can cause blood loss, depleting the body's iron stores over time.
“Among women of reproductive age, heavy menstrual bleeding is a common symptom and a major cause of iron deficiency, and its most severe manifestation is iron deficiency anemia,” said a 2023 study published in the American Journal of Obstetrics and Gynecology . The researchers noted that iron deficiency is often left untreated in this population…
Iron deficiency can cause heavy menstrual bleeding.
3. Cravings for Strange Things
In some cases, people who do not get enough iron will experience strange cravings. Low red blood cell counts can put extra strain on certain organs, such as the heart. The heart must pump harder and faster to compensate for the lower red blood cell count. In addition, red blood cells produced in people with low iron levels are smaller and less functional than red blood cells produced in people with adequate iron levels.
As a result, the body can go into a state of ‘desperation’, causing people to try to find iron from unusual sources. This leads to Pica (a craving for non-traditional foods such as ice and dirt). This is often a warning sign that a blood test is in order.
Although the exact cause of pica is not well understood, it is often linked to nutritional deficiencies, including low iron levels.
4. Experience neurological or cognitive symptoms
There are a number of ways that iron deficiency can lead to neurological or cognitive symptoms. You may experience headaches, difficulty concentrating, and dizziness. In children, anemia can lead to irreversible cognitive impairment and difficulty learning…
However, it is important to note that these symptoms can be caused by many other underlying medical conditions. Your doctor can help you determine whether they are the result of iron deficiency or another cause.
5. Notice changes in your skin, nails, and hair
Another noticeable sign is pale skin and nails. When iron levels are low, the body prioritizes oxygen delivery to vital organs, resulting in reduced blood flow to the skin, resulting in pale skin and brittle, breakable nails.
Some people with iron deficiency anemia may develop an itchy rash on their skin. The skin may become red and painful when scratched… Brittle nails and hair loss are also considered symptoms of iron deficiency anemia, according to the American Society of Hematology.
Pale skin and nails can also be a sign of iron deficiency.
6. Rapid or irregular heartbeat
A rapid or irregular heartbeat can also be a sign that you're not getting enough iron. Severe anemia can slow your heart rate and even cause a heart attack. This can happen in severe cases of iron deficiency anemia because "your heart has to pump more blood to compensate for the lack of oxygen in your blood when you're anemic... which can lead to an enlarged heart or heart failure.
7. Tinnitus
Low iron levels have been linked to pulsatile tinnitus, a condition in which you hear a “whooshing” sound in your ears that coincides with the rhythm of your pulse. If you notice this symptom, do not try to treat it at home by simply increasing your iron intake. Pulsatile tinnitus should be treated immediately, as it can be a sign of a serious heart condition.
8. Shortness of breath or chest pain during exercise
Shortness of breath, especially during physical activity, is a common symptom of iron deficiency.
Shortness of breath or chest pain during or after exercise can be a sign of a serious heart condition, so it’s important to seek immediate medical attention if you experience a range of severe or persistent symptoms. However, after ruling out more serious conditions, your doctor may test your iron levels to determine if they are low.
Shortness of breath, especially during physical activity, is a common symptom of iron deficiency. Without enough iron to support oxygen transport, the body struggles to meet the increased oxygen demand during exercise, leading to shortness of breath.
If you suspect you are not getting enough iron, monitor your symptoms and share your concerns with your doctor. They may recommend increasing the amount of iron in your diet or taking iron supplements. It is important to treat any underlying conditions that are causing the iron deficiency in the first place.
Dr. Nguyen Thu Phuong
Source: https://giadinh.suckhoedoisong.vn/8-dau-hieu-canh-bao-co-the-thieu-sat-can-bo-sung-ngay-172240524232301232.htm
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