Warning signs that you are iron deficient

Iron is an essential mineral that plays a crucial role in the health of red blood cells. Iron helps transport oxygen throughout the body, supports connective tissue, and maintains muscle metabolism.

When the body doesn't have enough iron, patients experience a variety of health problems such as fatigue, weakness, and impaired concentration.

If left undetected and untreated, iron deficiency can lead to more serious complications such as heart disease, pregnancy complications, or developmental delays in young children, according to the health website Health .

Isabel Vasquez, a nutritionist working in the US, said that iron deficiency often occurs when the body cannot absorb iron due to medical conditions such as celiac disease or because the diet does not provide enough iron-rich foods.

Early recognition of warning signs helps prevent iron deficiency from progressing to a severe stage and protects long-term health.

People with iron deficiency often feel tired even after getting enough sleep.

Illustration: AI

Tired

People with iron deficiency often feel tired even after getting enough sleep. This is because the body doesn't produce enough hemoglobin to carry oxygen to the tissues, leading to weakness.

Iron deficiency can also cause insomnia or restless leg syndrome, leading to incomplete sleep and increased feelings of fatigue.

Cold hands and feet

When there isn't enough hemoglobin in the blood, poor circulation makes it difficult for oxygen to reach the extremities, leading to fingers and toes remaining cold even in warm environments.

Unusually pale skin

Pale skin, when paler than normal, reflects a deficiency of red blood cells. In people with light skin, the pallor is more noticeable on the face. In people with darker skin, the symptoms are more apparent in the mucous membranes of the mouth and the conjunctiva of the eyes.

Dizziness or lightheadedness

When red blood cell count decreases, the brain doesn't receive enough oxygen, making the patient prone to losing balance. While this isn't a specific symptom, its presence alongside other signs may suggest iron deficiency.

Weak or brittle hair and nails

Brittle, weak, or concave nails are clear warning signs. Approximately 5% of people with iron deficiency experience this condition.

In addition, hair becomes weak and prone to falling out due to insufficient nutrients and blood supply.

Craving ice?

This is known as pica syndrome, which involves craving things that have no nutritional value, such as rocks, dirt, raw rice, or paper.

In the US, about 25% of people with iron deficiency experience cravings for ice, with pregnant women and children in their developmental years being more frequently affected.

How to overcome iron deficiency

To improve the situation, the first step should be to include iron-rich foods in your daily meals.

Good sources of iron include beans, dried fruits, eggs, lean red meat, salmon, peas, tofu, and green vegetables.

In addition, you should also eat foods containing vitamin C such as oranges, tomatoes, or strawberries, which will help your body absorb iron better, especially iron from plant sources.

If dietary intake is insufficient, a doctor may prescribe iron supplements in tablet form.

However, these supplements can cause nausea, diarrhea, or constipation, so it's important to take the correct dosage and follow professional instructions.

Source: https://thanhnien.vn/dau-hieu-canh-bao-ban-dang-thieu-sat-185250906170054025.htm