Iron is a mineral that plays a major role in the body as it helps with oxygen storage, oxygen transportation, proper functioning of the immune system, hormone production, and blood cell production. In a nutshell, it is vital for the growth and development of the body. The benefits of iron go unnoticed once a person needs to get more.
Iron deficiency can lead to several health complications including cognitive and intellectual development issues, weak immune system, impaired work performance, adverse pregnancy outcomes, and more. The best sources of iron include red meat, dried fruits, nuts, fortified breakfast cereals, beans, liver, leafy green vegetables, and egg yolks. Let us learn more about iron’s role in the body and the weird signs of iron deficiency.
Overview Of Iron Deficiency
Iron deficiency is a type of anemia, which is a condition where the body does not get enough healthy red blood cells. Lack of iron in the body leads to less production of hemoglobin, resulting in anemia. This can cause symptoms like fatigue and shortness of breath. Iron deficiency can affect many people but women who are menstruating, pregnant, or breastfeeding are at higher risk.
Also, adolescent girls, children under 5, and infants under 2 are likely to have iron deficiency. Some studies state that people who follow a certain diet, especially those who are vegetarians and who donate blood frequently can end up having iron deficiency.
5 Weird Signs Of Iron Deficiency
It is often hard to diagnose iron deficiency as the symptoms are vague and there are no well-established diagnostic criteria. However, here are some of the weird signs of iron deficiency:
- Pica:
It is a mental health condition caused by iron deficiency. It creates a craving for non-food items like ice, paper, or dirt. Pica is often normal and harmless unless the person swallows something toxic or dangerous.
- Hair loss:
Hair loss is a sign of iron deficiency since iron is essential to carry oxygen to the body’s cells, including hair follicles. Lack of iron causes less supply of oxygen to the hair follicles, leading to hair fall.
- Restless leg syndrome:
Restless leg syndrome is a condition that causes a strong urge to move the legs and this is associated with iron deficiency. Low levels of iron in the blood cause a fall in dopamine, which triggers restless leg syndrome.
- Tinnitus:
Tinnitus is a ringing or buzzing sound in the head which can be a symptom of iron deficiency.
- Angular cheilitis:
Angular cheilitis can be a sign of iron deficiency, which causes inflammation and cracking in the concerns of the mouth. This condition causes swollen tongues and is very painful.
Other Symptoms Of Iron Deficiency
Other most common symptoms of iron deficiency include;
- Pale skin.
- Dizziness or lightheadedness.
- Chest pain.
- Fast heartbeat.
- Shortness of breath.
- Brittle nails.
- Headaches.
- Cold hands and feet.
- Poor appetite.
- Sore tongue.
- Fatigue.
- Difficulty concentrating.
- Frequent infections.
Complications Of iron deficiency
Severe iron deficiency anemia can increase the risk of developing complications to the heart or lungs. It can cause abnormal fat heartbeat and even heart failure. Pregnancy complications are another risk of iron deficiency. It can cause complications before and after birth, including dizziness, trouble concentrating, breathlessness, and fatigue.
Also, low iron levels can weaken the immune system, leading to more frequent infections and illness. There can be a developmental delay in children due to iron deficiency. Dry or damaged skin and hair are also associated with low iron levels. Since our bodies depend too much on iron to function properly, we should add iron-rich food items to our diets.
Treatment For Iron Deficiency
Iron deficiency can be treated with the following measures;
- Following a healthy diet: Eating food rich in iron, such as dried fruits, red meat, beans, nuts, fortified breakfast cereals, shellfish, pumpkin seeds, liver, and leafy green vegetables.
- Taking iron supplements: The doctors may recommend the most common treatment, which is taking iron supplements. It is usually available as pills and sometimes with an IV. The healthcare provider gives iron supplements after identifying the cause of low iron levels. Iron deficiency happens when one loses blood or is not getting iron through their diet.
If iron deficiency is caused by blood loss, then the source of bleeding needs to be found and stopped, which may involve surgery.
Summing Up
Iron is a vital mineral that helps with the growth and development of the body. It helps with oxygen storage, oxygen transportation, proper functioning of the immune system, hormone production, and blood cell production. The main sources of iron are meat and poultry, seafood, nuts and seeds, whole grains, beans, and fortified cereals.
A deficiency in iron levels can cause mild to severe health complications. It can cause anemia, a condition where the body does not get enough healthy red blood cells. Lack of iron in the body leads to less production of hemoglobin, resulting in anemia. Women who are menstruating, pregnant, or breastfeeding are at higher risk of getting iron deficiency. Also, adolescent girls, children under 5, and infants under 2 are likely to have iron deficiency.
Iron deficiency can cause symptoms like pale skin, chest pain, headaches, dizziness, fatigue, cold hands and feet, fast heartbeat, difficulty concentrating, brittle nails, and frequent infections. Apart from these common symptoms, a lack of iron can cause weird signs like pica, hair loss, restless leg syndrome, tinnitus, and angular cheilitis.
One may end up developing cravings for non-food items like ice, paper, or dirt and can have uncontrollable movements. Treatments for iron deficiency include adding more iron-rich foods to the diet and taking iron supplements. If iron deficiency is caused by blood loss, then the source of bleeding needs to be found and stopped, which may involve surgery.
Since it is hard to diagnose iron deficiency because the symptoms are vague and there are no well-established diagnostic criteria, ensure you eat iron-rich foods and follow a healthy lifestyle.
Frequently Asked Questions
Some of the worst symptoms of low iron include fatigue, shortness of breath, rapid heartbeat, tinnitus, sore or swollen tongue, cravings for non-food items, pale skin, and uncontrollable movements.
Iron deficiency can cause headaches and dizziness which will be followed by chest pain.
The main 3 problems caused by iron deficiency are anemia, pregnancy complications, and hair loss.
You can drink iron-rich drinks like apple juice, beet juice, cocoa, orange juice, beef broth, and apricot nectar to boost iron levels.
Young children, menstruating adolescent girls, pregnant women, and postpartum women are most likely to suffer from iron deficiency.
