Signs of iron deficiency you shouldn't ignore

Iron deficiency can be diagnosed with a simple blood test and can usually be treated with iron supplements or changes to your diet.

Published on: Feb 23, 2023 4:19 PM IST

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Iron is an essential mineral that plays a vital role in the body's production of hemoglobin, which is responsible for carrying oxygen throughout the body. Iron deficiency is a common condition that can cause a variety of symptoms. Here are five signs of iron deficiency that you should not ignore: (Unsplash)

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Fatigue: Feeling constantly tired or having low energy levels is one of the most common signs of iron deficiency. This is because your body needs iron to make hemoglobin, which helps to transport oxygen to your body's tissues and organs. If your body doesn't have enough iron, it can't produce enough hemoglobin, which can lead to fatigue. (Pexels)

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Shortness of breath: If you feel short of breath or find it difficult to catch your breath, iron deficiency may be the culprit. This is because iron is essential for the production of hemoglobin, which carries oxygen to the body's tissues and organs. If your body doesn't have enough iron, it can't produce enough hemoglobin, which can result in shortness of breath. (Shutterstock)

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Pale skin: Iron deficiency can cause a reduction in the number of red blood cells, which can result in pale skin. This is because red blood cells contain hemoglobin, which gives blood its red colour. When there is a decrease in the number of red blood cells, the skin may appear pale or even yellowish. (Pexels)

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Restless legs syndrome: Restless legs syndrome (RLS) is a condition characterized by an uncontrollable urge to move the legs, particularly at night. Iron deficiency is a common cause of RLS, as iron is necessary for the production of dopamine, a neurotransmitter that helps regulate muscle movement. (Unsplash)

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Headaches: Iron deficiency can cause headaches, particularly in women. This is because women need more iron than men due to blood loss during menstruation. If the body doesn't have enough iron, it can't produce enough hemoglobin, which can lead to reduced oxygen flow to the brain and cause headaches. (Unsplash)