Symptoms warning the body is lacking iron

Iron deficiency is one of the most common micronutrient deficiencies in the world. If left untreated, iron deficiency can cause poor sleep quality, decreased concentration, and mental health problems.

Many people think that the symptoms of iron deficiency are simply fatigue or pale skin. However, there is a little-known sign: tingling or a feeling of pins and needles in the legs and arms, especially at night. This can be a manifestation of restless legs syndrome, a neurological disorder associated with low iron levels in the brain, according to the health website Healthline (USA).

Beef liver and salmon are foods rich in iron.

PHOTO: AI

Iron is commonly known as the mineral needed to make hemoglobin, the protein molecule in red blood cells that carries oxygen throughout the body. Iron also plays a key role in the functioning of the central nervous system.

Studies show that iron is essential for the synthesis of dopamine, a neurotransmitter involved in mood, concentration, and motor control.

Restless legs syndrome is a disorder characterized by an unpleasant, tingling sensation or an urge to move the legs, especially at night. A study published in the Journal of Clinical Sleep Medicine found that more than 40% of patients with restless legs syndrome had lower than normal levels of ferritin, a protein that stores iron. In addition, iron deficiency can also lead to sleep disturbances, decreased cognitive ability, poor concentration, anxiety, and mild depression.

The National Institutes of Health (NIH) says that prolonged iron deficiency can affect neurotransmitter function. As a result, people with the condition will have abnormal neurological symptoms.

Which groups of people are prone to iron deficiency?

Groups at high risk of iron deficiency include women of reproductive age, vegetarians, pregnant women, children, adolescents and people with intestinal diseases.

Treatment for iron deficiency depends on the cause and severity. Common treatments include eating iron-rich foods, taking iron supplements, and avoiding foods that inhibit iron absorption. Foods rich in iron include red meat, liver, oysters, salmon, lentils, spinach, pumpkin seeds, soybeans, and oats.

Common iron-inhibiting foods include tea, coffee, and milk. This is because the tannins and calcium in these foods can reduce iron absorption. People can still consume these foods, but they should be avoided within 1–2 hours of eating iron-rich foods, according to Healthline .

Source: https://thanhnien.vn/trieu-chung-canh-bao-co-the-dang-thieu-sat-185250523163548713.htm