9 common iron deficiency signs one must not ignore
Essential for the production of hemoglobin in the body, nutritional iron plays a crucial function in carrying oxygen to the different organs. Iron deficiency can occur for various reasons, such as insufficient nutrition and underlying health problems. It is one of the most prevalent nutritional health disorders globally but often remains undiagnosed due to its subtle and varied symptoms. Therefore, one must know the common signs of iron deficiency for timely diagnosis and treatment.
Signs of iron deficiency
Feeling unusually tired
One of the most common signs of iron deficiency is constant tiredness. This tiredness occurs even without doing any physically strenuous work. Even a slight drop in iron can bring down energy levels, making one feel fatigued. The constant fatigue is due to insufficient oxygen in the blood. The iron supports the production of hemoglobin, a protein that transports oxygen to different organs. Without enough iron, hemoglobin levels go down. So does the level of oxygen, leading to tiredness.
The skin may appear unusually pale
One of the most noticeable signs of iron deficiency is the skin losing its healthy color. This can be observed by looking at the inside of the eyelids, which may appear paler than usual, taking on a white or yellowish hue. In more severe cases, the creases on the palms of the hands may also turn pale. This happens due to a decrease in hemoglobin levels caused by the lack of iron in the body. Hemoglobin is responsible for giving blood its characteristic red color. When iron levels drop, hemoglobin production is affected, causing the blood to lose its redness. This, in turn, causes the skin to appear less vibrant and less warm.
Frequent shortness of breath
The crucial function of hemoglobin is to facilitate the transportation of oxygen by the red blood cells to the body’s various organs.