Common Signs and Symptoms of Iron Deficiency
With little or under the minimum required mineral iron, someone may suffer from iron deficiency. Since the body and muscles require these irons to work optimally, the lack of iron will render the body ineffective in some instances. Generally, the body requires these irons to make hemoglobin, which is the protein in the red blood cells responsible for carrying oxygen around the body.
While in some cases, one may fail to note that they have this condition, some special signs and symptoms are only left to show someone is suffering from iron deficiency. Also crucial to note is the essence of seeing a doctor as soon as possible whenever one experiences these symptoms. If not, practicing healthy lifestyles will come a long way to define the course and state the condition will take. Here are some of the most common symptoms.
Unusual Tiredness
One of the most common symptoms of iron deficiency is feeling very tired. And it is predominant with people who don’t have enough iron. Ideally, this tired feeling occurs because the body lacks the iron to make hemoglobin. This protein is responsible for carrying oxygen around the body, and it is only evident that a victim will be tired without oxygen circulation. While this may be the common sign to note, it can’t also go without saying that it is not an excellent way to assess that someone is suffering from iron deficiency. That is because unusual tiredness is a symptom of a host of other conditions with nothing to do with iron deficiency.
Paleness
A pale coloring of the inside of the lower eyelids or pale skin can also mean someone is suffering from iron deficiency. The hemoglobin is the center of everything, and since it is what gives blood its red color, pale skin will mean a lack of iron in the body. Even though not common with people suffering this condition, paleness is one of the surest ways to determine whether one is suffering from it or not. It is one of the first things the doctors will look at, and it works best with a blood test.
Shortness of Breath
It is just that basic biology that hemoglobin enables red blood cells to transport oxygen in the body. In cases where the levels of this protein reduce, it could mean one is suffering from iron deficiency. And the results will be shortness of breath since the muscles won’t receive enough oxygen to perform optimally. This symptom is common among victims, and when one experiences any of it, they should see a doctor as soon as possible.
Headaches and Dizziness
In particular, women are prone to experiencing this symptom more often than not. Although there are unclear scientific connections between headaches and iron deficiency, it all narrows down to the low hemoglobin levels in red blood cells.
Dry and Damaged Hair and Skin
This may be one of the most uncomfortable signs of iron deficiency. But it still spans that iron deficiency lowers the amount of oxygen responsible for smooth skin and hair growth.