If you wake up already feeling fatigued, can’t focus, and every physical movement requires a lot of effort, you may have iron deficiency!
Who is affected by iron deficiency?
Iron deficiency is a very common problem and can affect anyone, regardless of age or gender, but the highest risk group is still women. Approximately 20% of women and 50% of pregnant women suffer from iron deficiency.
Women of childbearing age with heavy menstrual cycles are at risk of iron deficiency. Also, people who donate blood regularly. Increased iron demand can occur with the consumption of aspirin, excessive coffee, and milk – more than 3 cups per day. Iron deficiency is also common among vegetarians and people with high physical activity.
Iron deficiency in children aged 12-16 years is also common because the growth rate during this period is the highest, and the need for iron increases.
What are the symptoms of iron deficiency?
People often don’t suspect iron deficiency in themselves because there are many common symptoms. Also, people experience iron deficiency in different ways. As iron deficiency worsens, iron deficiency anemia can develop, leading to serious and irreversible health problems.
You are experiencing fatigue and weakness
Fatigue is a common symptom of iron deficiency. Although it is the most frequent symptom, it is often overlooked because feeling tired is quite normal for many people.
In iron deficiency, there are fewer red blood cells in the blood, which are responsible for transporting oxygen from the lungs to the rest of the body. With insufficient iron, the blood’s ability to transport oxygen decreases, and tissues and muscles do not get enough oxygen. As a result, the body experiences an oxygen deficit, which is primarily indicated by fatigue and weakness.
You are suffering from unexplained anxiety
Do you feel anxious for no reason? If yes, the cause could be iron deficiency in the blood. Anxiety stems from the lack of oxygen in the body, which affects the “sympathetic nervous system.” As a result, the heart rate and breathing rate increase and blood pressure rises.
Your skin is pale
Hemoglobin gives blood its red color, and thus your skin has a rosy glow. When hemoglobin levels are lower than normal, the skin becomes pale. Pale skin and dark circles under the eyes are a sign of iron deficiency. Lighter gums are also a sign of reduced iron content. In severe anemia, the skin may even appear gray or ashen.
You are short of breath and easily get out of breath
If your daily activities require more effort than usual and leave you out of breath, it could be caused by iron deficiency. Since the hemoglobin level is low in iron deficiency, the oxygen level is also low. The body tries to compensate for this by getting more oxygen, causing shortness of breath and difficulty breathing.
Your heart is racing
Iron deficiency affects the number of red blood cells, and their shortage makes the heart work harder. If you feel that heart palpitations are becoming more frequent, this could be a sign of iron deficiency. Know that prolonged iron deficiency can lead to serious heart problems.
You suffer from frequent headaches
In iron deficiency, significantly less oxygen reaches the brain, and as a result, the brain’s arteries may expand, causing dizziness, headaches, and migraines. In severe cases, a person may even faint.
Your hair is falling out
To maintain healthy hair, normal oxygen levels in the body are required. With iron deficiency, the hair receives significantly less oxygen from the blood, making it dry and weak. When hair follicles do not get enough oxygen, they go into a resting phase and fall out. Prolonged oxygen deprivation in the body can also cause premature graying.
You are frequently ill
Iron is critical for the functioning of the immune system. Red blood cells are necessary to transport oxygen to the spleen and lymph nodes, where white blood cells that fight infections are stored. With iron deficiency, you are significantly more susceptible to infections, and recovery from illnesses takes longer.
Which iron supplement should you choose?
The range of iron supplements on pharmacy shelves is large, and many of them cause various stomach issues – constipation, stomach pain, and nausea.
Iron supplements mainly differ based on the type of iron salt used, which determines their absorption ability. Iron diglycinate is an iron compound with effective absorption, absorbing up to 4 times more efficiently compared to the widely used ferrous sulfate. It also does not leave an unpleasant metallic taste in the mouth and does not cause stomach discomfort or irritation.
It’s worth noting that vitamin C enhances the absorption of iron. That’s why it’s recommended to prefer an iron supplement that already contains slow-release, pH-neutral vitamin C.
How is iron deficiency treated?
Iron deficiency is typically treated with oral supplements. For low iron stores, the course of treatment may last from six months to a year.
The body’s iron stores replenish slowly, and with insufficiently long treatment, it is likely that iron deficiency will recur. During treatment, it is advisable to check blood levels every few months, as there are individual differences in iron absorption.
Take care of your health!
