What are the symptoms of an iron deficiency?
Iron deficiency is when there is not enough iron in the blood. It can lead to symptoms such as fatigue and dizziness, among many others.
Iron is a mineral that is vital for many bodily functions. It supports the transportation of oxygen in the blood. It is also essential for the correct development and functioning of cells, and the production of some hormones and tissues.
If a person's iron levels fall too low, it can disrupt these functions and may lead to iron-deficiency anemia. In most cases, this condition is easily treatable.
This article will discuss the symptoms of iron deficiency, as well as when to see a doctor.
Symptoms
Tired fatigue and sad or stressed woman sitting on edge of bed.
Iron-deficiency anemia can cause fatigue and dizziness.
The symptoms of an iron deficiency vary, depending on its severity, as well as a person's overall health.
For a mild or moderate iron deficiency, a person may not experience any noticeable symptoms.
Sometimes, a lack of iron can lead to iron-deficiency anemia. This is when the body does not have enough red blood cells or hemoglobin in the blood.
Iron-deficiency anemia can cause symptoms that include:
~ fatigue
~ weakness
~ dizziness
~ headaches
~ sensitivity to temperature
~ cold hands and feet
~ shortness of breath
~ chest pain
~ difficulty concentrating
~ heart palpitations
~ restless leg syndrome
~ cravings for nonfood items, such as ice or dirt
There are also several physical signs of an iron deficiency to look out for, such as:
~ brittle nails
~ cracks at the sides of the mouth
~ hair loss
~ inflammation of the tongue
~ abnormally pale or yellow skin
~ irregular heartbeat or breathing
Causes
Cooked baked beans in dish on wooden table
Beans are a healthful plant-based source of iron.
Iron deficiencies occur when an insufficient amount of iron is present in the blood.
There are several potential causes for a lack of iron, including the following:
> Diet
Iron is in many different types of foods, including fish, fortified cereals, beans, meat, and leafy green vegetables.
The National Institutes of Health recommend that male adults get 8 milligrams (mg) of iron per day and that female adults get 18 mg per day before 50 years of age and 8 mg after that age.
> Iron malabsorption
Some medical conditions and medications may prevent the body from absorbing iron properly, even when a person is eating plenty of iron-rich foods.
Conditions that can cause problems with iron absorption include:
~ intestinal and digestive conditions, such as inflammatory bowel disease
~ gastrointestinal surgery, such as gastric bypass surgery
~ rare genetic mutations
> Blood loss
Hemoglobin is a protein in red blood cells. It contains most of the body's iron. For this reason, blood loss can result in iron deficiencies and anemia.
Blood loss can be a result of injury, or too frequent blood tests or donations. But it can also occur with certain conditions or medications, including:
~ internal bleeding from ulcers or colon cancer
~ regular use of aspirin or nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs)
~ heavy menstrual periods
~ urinary tract bleeding
~ rare genetic conditions
~ surgery
> Other conditions
Other conditions that may cause iron deficiency include:
~ kidney failure
~ congestive heart failure
~ obesity
Iron is particularly important during periods of growth. For this reason, children and pregnant women have a higher risk of developing iron deficiency and anemia than others.

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