What Are the Symptoms of Iron Deficiency?
While the symptoms of iron deficiency vary, iron deficiency anemia is one of the most well-known, and perhaps the most critical, symptom. When bone marrow has insufficient iron, it cannot produce the hemoglobin that is necessary for maintaining healthy red blood cells; this can cause iron deficiency anemia. As a result, the bone marrow of a person suffering from iron deficiency anemia produces fewer and smaller red blood cells than that of a healthy person. Eventually, this could lead to a reduced oxygen supply to the organs, which may result in organ failure, and in some cases, death.
Common Symptoms
Besides iron deficiency anemia, some other symptoms of iron deficiency are fatigue, light-headedness, muscle weakness, irritability, a very pale appearance, and pica - an eating disorder in which the sufferer craves non-food items like clay or chalk. In addition to these symptoms, full blown anemia may also cause hair loss, shortness of breath, fainting, constipation, heart palpitations, ringing in the ears, visual hallucinations, sensations of numbness or burning, and rarely, sleep apnea.
Causes and Treatment
Iron deficiency can be caused by excessive bleeding, inadequate intake of iron, or a diet or medical problem that interferes with the body's absorption of iron. On average, women are ten times more likely than men to develop this condition due to the blood lost during menstruation. Iron deficiency anemia is the end stage of iron deficiency, but problematic symptoms can arise even before anemia sets in. Symptoms of iron deficiency should always be taken seriously, as iron deficiency anemia can be life-threatening, but may be preventable with early treatment.
Many symptoms of iron deficiency can be prevented with a proper diet or with the use of iron supplements, unless it is due to malabsorption. Iron-rich foods include meats of all kinds, green leafy vegetables, beans, and tofu. It is highly recommended to discuss any health concerns or planned changes in diet with a healthcare professional. This article is not intended as a guide to diagnosis.
The Role of Iron
Iron is an essential nutrient for humans, as well as for many other forms of life. In humans, it helps regulate cellular respiration, providing the main source of energy for many different cell types in the body to do their work. It is also a major component of red blood cells, which provide oxygen to all parts of the body and return carbon dioxide to the lungs for expiration. Iron also helps store oxygen within muscle cells. Iron is extremely important to human life, and a deficiency in this nutrient can cause many symptoms and may result in health problems.
Written by Niki Foster
