Iron Deficiency Anemia Signs and Symptoms

Low iron levels, or iron deficiency, occur when your body doesn’t have enough iron. This leads to a condition called anemia. Common symptoms include fatigue, pallor, and breathlessness.

Iron deficiency anemia is a common type of anemia.

Your body needs iron to make hemoglobin, a protein in red blood cells that enables them to carry oxygen through your blood vessels.

If your body doesn’t have enough hemoglobin, your tissues and muscles won’t get enough oxygen to be able to work effectively.

Here are 14 signs and symptoms of iron deficiency, starting with the most common. Also, find out how to recognize anemia in children and older adults, and when to see a doctor.

Feeling tired is a common sign of iron deficiency anemia. It can also affect people who don’t have enough iron, even if they haven’t received a diagnosis of deficiency.

This fatigue happens because your body lacks the iron it needs to make a protein called hemoglobin, which helps carry oxygen around your body.

Without enough hemoglobin, less oxygen reaches your tissues and muscles, depriving them of energy. Your heart also has to work harder to move more oxygen-rich blood around your body, which can make you tired.

Since tiredness is often considered a part of a busy, modern life, it’s difficult to diagnose an iron deficiency based on this symptom alone.

However, tiredness that occurs with pallor, shortness of breath, and other symptoms may be a sign of anemia.

What are some other reasons for fatigue?

Summary

Fatigue is one of the most common symptoms of iron deficiency. This is due to less oxygen reaching your tissues, depriving them of energy.

Skin that’s paler than usual, as well as pale coloring of the inside of the lower eyelids, can also indicate iron deficiency.

The hemoglobin in red blood cells gives blood its red color, so low levels caused by iron deficiency make the blood less red. That’s why skin can lose some of its color or warmth in people with iron deficiency.

A 2016 study notes that pallor in the skin or inside the eyelids is a reliable indicator of anemia. A person with severe anemia may also have pallor in the creases of the palms of the hands.

If you pull your lower eyelid down while looking in a mirror, the inside layer should be a vibrant red color. If it’s a very pale pink or yellow, you may have iron deficiency.

In people with darker skin tones, the eyelid may be the only area where this condition is noticeable.

However, pallor can happen for many reasons. Only a blood test can confirm if a person has anemia.

Does your skin look pale, gray, or blue? Find out why.

Summary

Skin that’s paler than usual in areas like the face, lower inner eyelids, or nails may be a sign of iron deficiency. This paleness is due to low levels of hemoglobin, which gives blood its redness.

Hemoglobin enables your red blood cells to carry oxygen around your body.

When hemoglobin levels are low with iron deficiency, oxygen levels are also low. This means that your muscles won’t receive enough oxygen to do everyday activities, such as walking.

As a result, your breathing rate will increase as your body tries to get more oxygen, resulting in shortness of breath.

If you find yourself out of breath when doing daily tasks that you used to find easy, such as walking, climbing stairs, or working out, it may be due to iron deficiency.

What are some home treatments for shortness of breath?

Summary

Shortness of breath is a symptom of iron deficiency, since low hemoglobin levels stop your body from effectively transporting oxygen to your muscles and tissues.

Iron deficiency can occur during menstruation, and headaches can also occur with both.

The link between iron deficiency and headaches is unclear. Several factors may contribute, including the relationship between altered dopamine function and estrogen levels.

Although there are many causes of headaches, frequent, recurrent headaches may be a sign of iron deficiency.

What are 14 types of headache?

Summary

Headaches may be a symptom of iron deficiency, although more research is needed on the connection between dopamine dysfunction, estrogen levels, and iron deficiency.

Noticeable heartbeats, or heart palpitations, are another sign of iron deficiency anemia.

Experts are still studying the link between iron deficiency, anemia, and heart problems, but they believe oxygen supply may play a role

Hemoglobin is the protein in red blood cells that helps transport oxygen around your body. In iron deficiency, low hemoglobin levels mean the heart has to work extra hard to carry oxygen.

This may lead to irregular heartbeats or the feeling that your heart is beating abnormally fast.

Consequently, iron deficiency may worsen conditions that affect your heart, such as heart failure and coronary heart disease.

Why do I have palpitations at night?

Summary

In cases of iron deficiency, your heart has to work especially hard to transport oxygen. This can worsen conditions that affect heart health.

Dry or damaged skin and hair may be signs of iron deficiency.

Iron deficiency lowers the level of hemoglobin in your blood, which may reduce the amount of oxygen available to cells that cause hair growth.

Skin and hair that lack oxygen may become dry and weak.

Iron deficiency is also associated with hair loss, and some research suggests it may be a cause.

Hair often falls out during everyday washing and brushing. But, significant hair loss may be a sign of iron deficiency.

Get some tips on preventing hair loss.

Summary

Skin and hair may receive less oxygen if you have iron deficiency, leading to dryness or damage. In more severe cases, this may lead to hair loss.

Sometimes, changes inside or outside of your mouth can indicate iron deficiency anemia. Signs include a swollen, inflamed, pale, or strangely smooth tongue.

Other possible symptoms around your mouth include:

• dry mouth
• a burning feeling in your mouth
• sore, red cracks at the corners of your mouth
• mouth ulcers

What else can cause tongue swelling and soreness?

Summary

A sore, swollen, or strangely smooth tongue may be a sign of iron deficiency anemia, as are cracks on the corners of your mouth.

There may be a link between iron deficiency and restless leg syndrome.

This condition involves a strong urge to move your legs while they’re at rest. It may also cause unpleasant crawling or itching sensations in your feet and legs.

It’s usually worse at night and can make it difficult to sleep.

The causes of primary restless leg syndrome are not fully understood. However, it can stem from various medical conditions, including iron deficiency anemia.

Indeed, people with iron deficiency anemia are six times more likely to have restless leg syndrome than the general population.

What are the best treatments for restless leg syndrome?

Summary

People with iron deficiency anemia may have restless legs syndrome, which is a strong urge to move your legs while at rest.

Spoon-shaped fingernails, also called koilonychia, are another symptom of iron deficiency anemia.

Usually, the first sign is brittle nails that chip and crack easily.

In the later stages of iron deficiency, the nails can become spoon-shaped, meaning that the middle of your nail dips and the edges raise to give a rounded appearance like a spoon.

This is a rare side effect and is usually reversible with treatment to boost the body’s iron levels.

What do brittle, discolored, and weak nails say about your health?

Summary

Brittle or spoon-shaped nails may indicate more severe iron deficiency anemia.

Several other indicators signal that your iron levels may be low. These tend to be less common and may be linked to many conditions other than iron deficiency.

Other signs of iron deficiency anemia include:

10. Strange cravings. A hankering for strange foods or non-food items is called pica. A person may crave ice, clay, dirt, chalk, or paper. It can occur during pregnancy and may be a sign of iron deficiency.
11. Feelings of depression. There may be a link between iron deficiency anemia and depression in adults, including during pregnancy.
12. Cold hands and feet. Iron deficiency means less oxygen delivery to your hands and feet. Some people may feel the cold more easily in general or experience cold hands and feet.
13. More frequent infections. Iron is needed for a healthy immune system, and a lack of iron may increase your risk of infections.
14. Poor appetite. Iron deficiency is linked to low appetite due to changes in the hunger hormone ghrelin.

Children with iron deficiency anemia may:

• have pale skin
• appear irritable or fussy
• lack energy
• tire quickly
• have a rapid heart rate
• have a sore or swollen tongue
• have an enlarged spleen, just below the ribs
• show signs of pica, such as wanting to eat ice

How does anemia affect children?

Anemia is common in older adults, but it can be hard to identify, as some of the symptoms are common as people get older.

Symptoms include:

• fatigue
• difficulty thinking and focusing
• depression
• muscle weakness
• frailty

Compared with younger people, older adults are more likely to have conditions associated with iron deficiency anemia, such as chronic kidney disease, inflammation, and nutritional deficiencies.

Older adults are also more likely to use certain medications, like non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), anticoagulants, and proton pump inhibitors over a long period, which may cause blood loss in the stomach or reduce iron absorption.

Learn more about how anemia affects older adults.

Summary

Other signs of iron deficiency include strange cravings, depression, frequent infections, and cold hands and feet. Children and older adults share symptoms, but neurological symptoms, like ADHD, are more common in children.

Talk with a doctor if you have symptoms of iron deficiency. Without treatment, you may develop iron deficiency anemia.

This can increase the risk of complications, such as:

• heart problems
• depression
• a higher chance of infections
• pregnancy issues

People who are pregnant or have heavy menstrual periods have the highest risk and should talk with a doctor about being tested for iron deficiency anemia.

If your doctor confirms that you have iron deficiency — typically via a blood test — they will develop a treatment plan that best meets your healthcare needs.

They may recommend increasing your intake of iron via your diet or taking supplements.

However, if the doctor suspects anemia stems from gastrointestinal problems, they may recommend further tests and procedures, including upper and lower endoscopies.

If you think you have iron deficiency anemia, speak with a doctor before changing your diet or deciding on any supplements.

If you need help finding a primary care doctor, then check out our FindCare tool here.

Summary

Long-term complications of iron deficiency anemia include depression, pregnancy issues, and heart problems. So talk with your doctor if you’re experiencing any symptoms.

How will I feel if my iron is low?

Some people experience no symptoms with iron deficiency anemia. In time, however, you may notice that the insides of your eyes are paler than usual, and you may feel tired and short of breath.

How can I increase my iron level quickly?

Eating an iron-rich diet can help boost iron levels. If your levels are very low, a doctor may recommend iron supplements. In some cases, you may need treatment for an underlying condition.

What causes iron levels to drop?

Nutritional choices, underlying conditions, bleeding, and the use of certain medications are common causes of low iron levels.

Here, learn more about the causes and treatments of anemia.

Symptoms of iron deficiency anemia can depend on the severity of the anemia. In the early stages, there may be no symptoms.

Common symptoms include fatigue, paleness, shortness of breath, and dry or damaged hair and skin.

If you think you have symptoms of iron deficiency, talk with a doctor. They may recommend dietary changes or medication. They may also do tests to see if an underlying condition needs addressing.

Just one thing

Try this today: If you’re vegetarian but still interested in upping your dietary intake of iron, check out our article on iron-rich plant foods.

Was this helpful?

Read this article in Spanish.

Iron Deficiency Anemia Signs and Symptoms

Low iron levels, or iron deficiency, occur when your body doesn’t have enough iron. This leads to a condition called anemia. Common symptoms include fatigue, pallor, and breathlessness.

Iron deficiency anemia is a common type of anemia.

Your body needs iron to make hemoglobin, a protein in red blood cells that enables them to carry oxygen through your blood vessels.

If your body doesn’t have enough hemoglobin, your tissues and muscles won’t get enough oxygen to be able to work effectively.

Here are 14 signs and symptoms of iron deficiency, starting with the most common. Also, find out how to recognize anemia in children and older adults, and when to see a doctor.

Feeling tired is a common sign of iron deficiency anemia. It can also affect people who don’t have enough iron, even if they haven’t received a diagnosis of deficiency.

This fatigue happens because your body lacks the iron it needs to make a protein called hemoglobin, which helps carry oxygen around your body.

Without enough hemoglobin, less oxygen reaches your tissues and muscles, depriving them of energy. Your heart also has to work harder to move more oxygen-rich blood around your body, which can make you tired.

Since tiredness is often considered a part of a busy, modern life, it’s difficult to diagnose an iron deficiency based on this symptom alone.

However, tiredness that occurs with pallor, shortness of breath, and other symptoms may be a sign of anemia.

What are some other reasons for fatigue?

Summary

Fatigue is one of the most common symptoms of iron deficiency. This is due to less oxygen reaching your tissues, depriving them of energy.

Skin that’s paler than usual, as well as pale coloring of the inside of the lower eyelids, can also indicate iron deficiency.

The hemoglobin in red blood cells gives blood its red color, so low levels caused by iron deficiency make the blood less red. That’s why skin can lose some of its color or warmth in people with iron deficiency.

A 2016 study notes that pallor in the skin or inside the eyelids is a reliable indicator of anemia. A person with severe anemia may also have pallor in the creases of the palms of the hands.

If you pull your lower eyelid down while looking in a mirror, the inside layer should be a vibrant red color. If it’s a very pale pink or yellow, you may have iron deficiency.

In people with darker skin tones, the eyelid may be the only area where this condition is noticeable.

However, pallor can happen for many reasons. Only a blood test can confirm if a person has anemia.

Does your skin look pale, gray, or blue? Find out why.

Summary

Skin that’s paler than usual in areas like the face, lower inner eyelids, or nails may be a sign of iron deficiency. This paleness is due to low levels of hemoglobin, which gives blood its redness.

Hemoglobin enables your red blood cells to carry oxygen around your body.

When hemoglobin levels are low with iron deficiency, oxygen levels are also low. This means that your muscles won’t receive enough oxygen to do everyday activities, such as walking.

As a result, your breathing rate will increase as your body tries to get more oxygen, resulting in shortness of breath.

If you find yourself out of breath when doing daily tasks that you used to find easy, such as walking, climbing stairs, or working out, it may be due to iron deficiency.

What are some home treatments for shortness of breath?

Summary

Shortness of breath is a symptom of iron deficiency, since low hemoglobin levels stop your body from effectively transporting oxygen to your muscles and tissues.

Iron deficiency can occur during menstruation, and headaches can also occur with both.

The link between iron deficiency and headaches is unclear. Several factors may contribute, including the relationship between altered dopamine function and estrogen levels.

Although there are many causes of headaches, frequent, recurrent headaches may be a sign of iron deficiency.

What are 14 types of headache?

Summary

Headaches may be a symptom of iron deficiency, although more research is needed on the connection between dopamine dysfunction, estrogen levels, and iron deficiency.

Noticeable heartbeats, or heart palpitations, are another sign of iron deficiency anemia.

Experts are still studying the link between iron deficiency, anemia, and heart problems, but they believe oxygen supply may play a role

Hemoglobin is the protein in red blood cells that helps transport oxygen around your body. In iron deficiency, low hemoglobin levels mean the heart has to work extra hard to carry oxygen.

This may lead to irregular heartbeats or the feeling that your heart is beating abnormally fast.

Consequently, iron deficiency may worsen conditions that affect your heart, such as heart failure and coronary heart disease.

Why do I have palpitations at night?

Summary

In cases of iron deficiency, your heart has to work especially hard to transport oxygen. This can worsen conditions that affect heart health.

Dry or damaged skin and hair may be signs of iron deficiency.

Iron deficiency lowers the level of hemoglobin in your blood, which may reduce the amount of oxygen available to cells that cause hair growth.

Skin and hair that lack oxygen may become dry and weak.

Iron deficiency is also associated with hair loss, and some research suggests it may be a cause.

Hair often falls out during everyday washing and brushing. But, significant hair loss may be a sign of iron deficiency.

Get some tips on preventing hair loss.

Summary

Skin and hair may receive less oxygen if you have iron deficiency, leading to dryness or damage. In more severe cases, this may lead to hair loss.

Sometimes, changes inside or outside of your mouth can indicate iron deficiency anemia. Signs include a swollen, inflamed, pale, or strangely smooth tongue.

Other possible symptoms around your mouth include:

• dry mouth
• a burning feeling in your mouth
• sore, red cracks at the corners of your mouth
• mouth ulcers

What else can cause tongue swelling and soreness?

Summary

A sore, swollen, or strangely smooth tongue may be a sign of iron deficiency anemia, as are cracks on the corners of your mouth.

There may be a link between iron deficiency and restless leg syndrome.

This condition involves a strong urge to move your legs while they’re at rest. It may also cause unpleasant crawling or itching sensations in your feet and legs.

It’s usually worse at night and can make it difficult to sleep.

The causes of primary restless leg syndrome are not fully understood. However, it can stem from various medical conditions, including iron deficiency anemia.

Indeed, people with iron deficiency anemia are six times more likely to have restless leg syndrome than the general population.

What are the best treatments for restless leg syndrome?

Summary

People with iron deficiency anemia may have restless legs syndrome, which is a strong urge to move your legs while at rest.

Spoon-shaped fingernails, also called koilonychia, are another symptom of iron deficiency anemia.

Usually, the first sign is brittle nails that chip and crack easily.

In the later stages of iron deficiency, the nails can become spoon-shaped, meaning that the middle of your nail dips and the edges raise to give a rounded appearance like a spoon.

This is a rare side effect and is usually reversible with treatment to boost the body’s iron levels.

What do brittle, discolored, and weak nails say about your health?

Summary

Brittle or spoon-shaped nails may indicate more severe iron deficiency anemia.

Several other indicators signal that your iron levels may be low. These tend to be less common and may be linked to many conditions other than iron deficiency.

Other signs of iron deficiency anemia include:

10. Strange cravings. A hankering for strange foods or non-food items is called pica. A person may crave ice, clay, dirt, chalk, or paper. It can occur during pregnancy and may be a sign of iron deficiency.
11. Feelings of depression. There may be a link between iron deficiency anemia and depression in adults, including during pregnancy.
12. Cold hands and feet. Iron deficiency means less oxygen delivery to your hands and feet. Some people may feel the cold more easily in general or experience cold hands and feet.
13. More frequent infections. Iron is needed for a healthy immune system, and a lack of iron may increase your risk of infections.
14. Poor appetite. Iron deficiency is linked to low appetite due to changes in the hunger hormone ghrelin.

Children with iron deficiency anemia may:

• have pale skin
• appear irritable or fussy
• lack energy
• tire quickly
• have a rapid heart rate
• have a sore or swollen tongue
• have an enlarged spleen, just below the ribs
• show signs of pica, such as wanting to eat ice

How does anemia affect children?

Anemia is common in older adults, but it can be hard to identify, as some of the symptoms are common as people get older.

Symptoms include:

• fatigue
• difficulty thinking and focusing
• depression
• muscle weakness
• frailty

Compared with younger people, older adults are more likely to have conditions associated with iron deficiency anemia, such as chronic kidney disease, inflammation, and nutritional deficiencies.

Older adults are also more likely to use certain medications, like non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), anticoagulants, and proton pump inhibitors over a long period, which may cause blood loss in the stomach or reduce iron absorption.

Learn more about how anemia affects older adults.

Summary

Other signs of iron deficiency include strange cravings, depression, frequent infections, and cold hands and feet. Children and older adults share symptoms, but neurological symptoms, like ADHD, are more common in children.

Talk with a doctor if you have symptoms of iron deficiency. Without treatment, you may develop iron deficiency anemia.

This can increase the risk of complications, such as:

• heart problems
• depression
• a higher chance of infections
• pregnancy issues

People who are pregnant or have heavy menstrual periods have the highest risk and should talk with a doctor about being tested for iron deficiency anemia.

If your doctor confirms that you have iron deficiency — typically via a blood test — they will develop a treatment plan that best meets your healthcare needs.

They may recommend increasing your intake of iron via your diet or taking supplements.

However, if the doctor suspects anemia stems from gastrointestinal problems, they may recommend further tests and procedures, including upper and lower endoscopies.

If you think you have iron deficiency anemia, speak with a doctor before changing your diet or deciding on any supplements.

If you need help finding a primary care doctor, then check out our FindCare tool here.

Summary

Long-term complications of iron deficiency anemia include depression, pregnancy issues, and heart problems. So talk with your doctor if you’re experiencing any symptoms.

How will I feel if my iron is low?

Some people experience no symptoms with iron deficiency anemia. In time, however, you may notice that the insides of your eyes are paler than usual, and you may feel tired and short of breath.

How can I increase my iron level quickly?

Eating an iron-rich diet can help boost iron levels. If your levels are very low, a doctor may recommend iron supplements. In some cases, you may need treatment for an underlying condition.

What causes iron levels to drop?

Nutritional choices, underlying conditions, bleeding, and the use of certain medications are common causes of low iron levels.

Here, learn more about the causes and treatments of anemia.

Symptoms of iron deficiency anemia can depend on the severity of the anemia. In the early stages, there may be no symptoms.

Common symptoms include fatigue, paleness, shortness of breath, and dry or damaged hair and skin.

If you think you have symptoms of iron deficiency, talk with a doctor. They may recommend dietary changes or medication. They may also do tests to see if an underlying condition needs addressing.

Just one thing

Try this today: If you’re vegetarian but still interested in upping your dietary intake of iron, check out our article on iron-rich plant foods.

Was this helpful?

Read this article in Spanish.

90,000 connection with iron deficiency in the body.

Take an online survey

Find out more about the symptom of iron deficiency

Relationship between depression and iron deficiency

All symptoms of iron deficiency

Iron is an essential micronutrient
which performs the necessary functions in every cell of the body – transports oxygen, helps
generate energy. Iron is also a component of the protein hemoglobin in blood cells, which
transports oxygen throughout the body ¹ .

Correlation between the onset of depression and iron deficiency in the body

Iron deficiency affects the synthesis of the hormone dopamine, which is produced in the brain and is responsible for
psycho-emotional state and intellectual functions. A decrease in this hormone can
contribute to the development of depression.

Iron is essential for the production of dopamine in the brain ^{. The body uses tyrosine
(amino acid) from protein-rich foods to produce dopamine, but this only occurs in
presence of iron . A lack of dopamine can lead to depression, anxiety, and even
movement disorders such as restless leg syndrome 3 .}

Signs of depression (at least 2 weeks duration):

Whether anemia is associated with depression

It is debatable whether anemia is associated with depression, regardless of physical health factors.
There are a number of studies that have examined this issue. For example, a large scale study
H Vulser et al. showed that in healthy adults from the general group there is a significant and durable
link between depression and anemia ⁴ . Another study by Stewart et al. in elderly patients
showed that iron deficiency is usually associated with depressive symptoms, although the association with anemia
attributed to physical health and may primarily reflect anemia of chronic
diseases ⁵ .

Controlling the level of iron in the body is the best prevention of iron deficiency conditions,
causing symptoms such as depression and anxiety.

Get an online diagnosis of iron deficiency

Take an online test

Other symptoms of iron deficiency

Choose from the list and find out more:

Constant fatigue

Decreased attention

chronic weakness

Paleness of the skin

Dry skin

Cardiopalmus

excessive sweating

Dyspnea

restless leg syndrome

Authors of the article

Shikh Evgenia Valerievna

Director of the Institute of Vocational Education, Doctor of Medical Sciences, Professor, Head of the Department of Clinical Pharmacology and Propaedeutics of Internal Diseases, I. M. Sechenov of the Ministry of Health of Russia.

Balalaeva Maria Aleksandrovna

Clinical pharmacologist, Candidate of Medical Sciences, Associate Professor of the Department of Clinical Pharmacology and Propaedeutics of Internal Diseases, PMSMU named after I.I. THEM. Sechenova, Head of the Centralized Department of Clinical Pharmacology, Federal State Budgetary Scientific Institution of the Republican Scientific Center of Surgery named after A.I. acad. B.V. Petrovsky.

About iron deficiency

#THE IRON

References

1. Brain iron and dopamine receptor function. Youdim MB, Ben-Shachar D, Ashkenazi R, Yehuda S. Adv
   Biochem Psychopharmacol. 1983;37309-321.
2. Low brain iron effects and reversibility on striatal dopamine dynamics.Unger EL, Bianco LE,
   Jones BC, Allen RP, Earley CJ. Exp Neurol. 2014;261462-468.
3. Restless Leg Syndrome/Willis-Ekbom Disease. Allen R.P. Pathophysiology. Sleep Med Clin.
   2015;10(3):207-14, xi.
4. Association between healthy depression and anemia in otherwise adults. H Vulser, E Wiernik N
   Hoertel, F Thomas, B Pannier, S Czernichow, O Hanon, T Simon, J-M Simon, N Danchin, F Limosin, C
   Lemogne. Acta Psychiatr Scand. 2016 Aug;134(2):150-60. doi:10.1111/acps.12595.
5. Relationship Between Depressive Symptoms, Anemia, and Iron Status in Older Residents From a
   National Survey Population. Stewart, Robert M.D.; Hirani, Vasant MSc. Psychosomatic Medicine:
   February/March 2012 – Volume 74 – Issue 2 – p 208-213 doi: 10.1097/PSY.0b013e3182414f7d

How to get tested for ferritin?

Get a referral from your PCP

You can get a referral for a serum ferritin test from your PCP if you have symptoms and indications.

Take the test yourself

You can test your ferritin level yourself at clinics and laboratories in your city if such a service is available.

Where can I get tested?

Including you can take an analysis for the level of ferritin:

Go to website

Go to website

Go to website

The information contained on the site does not replace medical advice.

There are contraindications. Consult a

Specialist

Lack of iron in the body: 5 first signs

Do you often feel very tired after work? This may be due to a lack of iron in the body. And iron deficiency can affect not only your productivity, but also your beauty. Read in our article: what are the main symptoms of iron deficiency and what foods should be on your menu to avoid iron deficiency, as well as our medical experts have selected the best nutritional supplements containing ferrum.

Updated: 06/23/2022

• Iron: interesting facts and features 084
• The most famous drugs with iron and the best dietary supplements

There are several elements that are extremely important for a person. One of them is iron (Fe), because thanks to it, oxygen molecules are delivered to all cells of the body, and it can function.

But what else is the use of iron and what symptoms can be used to understand that a person has a lack of this substance?

Iron: interesting facts and features

Iron (Fe) is an indispensable element for the life of the human body. In Latin, this substance is called ferrum (ferrum).

The average human body contains about 4 grams of iron. People need to consume 10-18 milligrams of ferrum every day. Iron deficiency causes anemia.

At the beginning of the 20th century, scientists discovered that Fe is a component of hemoglobin in special blood cells, erythrocytes.

Ferrum is part of the Earth’s core and crust. It is believed that iron is the fourth largest element in the earth’s crust, and the core of our planet consists of iron, nickel and sulfur.

Ferrum oxidizes on contact with oxygen (O2). However, in the human body there are special mechanisms, namely beneficial microorganisms that help absorb iron.

5 reviews

Gyno-Tardiferon tablets for anemia, 30 pcs.

Out of stock

1 review

Ferrofol chewable tablets, 30 pcs.

217.5 UAH

In stock

1 review

Heferol capsules for anemia 350 mg, 30 pcs.

Out of stock

1 review

Tardiferon tablets 80 mg, 30 pcs.

Out of stock

The benefits of iron for the body and the list of products that contain it

The main useful property of ferrum is that it helps to transport oxygen molecules to all organs and tissues. Its deficiency can lead to serious health problems.

Iron is part of the following three protein compounds:

1. Hemoglobin . This protein is the main component of erythrocytes (blood cells). It is in them that oxygen molecules are transported throughout the body. Hemoglobin contains approximately 25% of the total body ferrum.
2. Myoglobin . It is considered one of the important proteins in human muscle tissue. Any physical activity and load require a large amount of oxygen, the transfer of which in the body is possible precisely thanks to iron.
3. Enzymes. Fe is a key component of many enzymes. They are designed to break down products and various compounds necessary for human life.

In addition, ferrum can accumulate in the body in the form of ferritin. It accumulates in the heart and liver and is released into the bloodstream when needed.

There is also a division of iron into two types: heme and non-heme. The first is perfectly absorbed and can be obtained from food of animal origin. The second is found in plant sources, but the process of its assimilation is worse.

What foods contain iron

The main sources of iron are:

• beans;
• spinach;
• lentils;
• pumpkin seeds;
• red meat.

It is important to note that some seeds also contain phytic acid. It slows down the absorption of Fe.

Many foods are specifically fortified with iron. These include:

• milk and dairy products;
• cereals and various cereals;
• drinks;
• seasonings.

However, a person does not always get enough of the substance in question from food.

5 reviews

Doppelherz Active A-C tablets N15

152.4 UAH

In stock

1 review

Ferrum Lek chewable tablets for anemia, 100 m…

Out of stock

7 reviews

FerroBio tablets, 40 PC.

679.2UAH

Available

22 reviews

Doppelherz Active from A to Zinc tablets with vitamin … ferrum can occur at any age. It appears due to the fact that the body uses more iron than it comes from food. You can identify the lack of this element using a special blood test.

The most important disease associated with iron deficiency is anemia . In most cases, it occurs in pregnant women and children under the age of 5 years.

Consider 5 main signs that indicate that the body lacks iron and its reserves need to be replenished.

Pale skin color

Changes in skin color due to reduced blood flow and impaired circulation. Decreased hemoglobin levels cause pale skin. Hemoglobin begins to bind worse to oxygen molecules and carry less of them to all cells of the body.

During the diagnosis of this condition, the doctor examines the palms, tongue, nail bed and the inside of the eyelids. If all these surfaces are lighter and whiter than usual, then the doctor may conclude that the skin is pale.

Increased fatigue

With a lack of iron, a person may feel tired, since this element in the composition of hemoglobin transports oxygen to various cells of the body. And the limited access of oxygen negatively affects the activity of people.

You also feel tired after intense exercise or training. This is due to the fact that during exercise the body requires more oxygen, and ferrum transports it. Such fatigue after sports is considered quite normal and should not start to worry when it appears.

With a deficiency of Fe, a person begins to lack oxygen to provide muscle tissue with all the necessary nutrients. Fatigue can be a defensive reaction of the body so as not to use up all the reserves of ferrum.

Breathing problems

If a person has a lack of iron in the blood, then all organs, including the lungs, will receive less oxygen.

When little hemoglobin enters the lung tissue, a person may begin to feel short of breath. In extreme cases, special oxygen masks are used for external oxygen supply.

Pre-syncope and frequent dizziness

The brain requires a lot of oxygen to perform many logical and mental tasks throughout the day. Iron ensures the delivery of O2 molecules to brain cells. With its lack, this organ begins to feel a lack of oxygen, and the performance of mental work becomes more difficult.

During such activities, it is imperative to take breaks, ventilate the room and go outside to get some fresh air. This will stimulate the brain.

Pre-fainting and dizziness are the main evidence that there is a lack of O2. The brain needs a “reboot”, so it starts to fail in its work.

Increased brittleness of nails

Of course, many associate brittle nails with a lack of calcium, but this is not the only reason for the loss of their strength and integrity.

As a result of reduced oxygen in the blood, which is due to a lack of ferrum, the nails begin to bend inward easily, since little O2 is supplied to the nail plate. This deviation in health is called a concave nail.

In addition, the lack of Fe leads to deterioration of the connective tissue under the nail plate and frequent damage to the edge of the nail phalanx.

If any of the 5 symptoms discussed, you should consult your doctor and take a blood test. If a specialist detects problems with hemoglobin and anemia in a patient, then he will be prescribed anti-anemic drugs.

The most famous preparations with iron and the best dietary supplements

A reduced level of hemoglobin, which includes iron, impairs the transfer of oxygen to organs, tissues, and oxygen starvation may even occur. This condition is called anemia.

To increase the amount of ferrum and raise the level of hemoglobin, a special group of iron preparations is used.

The most famous antianemic drugs:

• Gino-Tardiferon;
• Heferol;
• Ferrofol;
• Tardyferon;
• Ferrum Lek.

Ferrum is also included in various dietary supplements. One dietary supplement may contain a complex of vitamins and useful elements. Iron is included in their composition to increase the level of hemoglobin in the blood.

The best dietary supplements with iron :

• FerroBio;
• Doppelherz Active from A to Zinc.

Before choosing any drug or dietary supplement containing iron, consult your doctor and do not combine drugs on your own, as this may be unsafe for your health.

More than 200 world famous scientists urged everyone to take vitamin D . Find out from our fresh material what is the use of the “vitamin of the sun” and does it help in the prevention and treatment of coronavirus?

Few people know about 9 major health benefits of zinc . However, this element is important for immunity, bone and intestinal health. Read more about zinc in our article.

Learn more about health at apteka24.ua .

References

Review on iron and its importance for human health / NCBI

Iron deficiency without anemia – a clinical challenge / ResearchGate

Dietary strategies for improving iron status: balancing safety and efficacy / PubMD

Iron Def iciency anemia : A Common and Curable Disease / PMC

Accuracy and reliability of pallor for detecting anemia: a hospital-based diagnostic accuracy study / NIH

Spoon nails: still seen in today’s world / Clinical Case Reports

The cardiomyopathy of iron deficiency / PubMD

Iron / RSC

Iron deficiency, fatigue and muscle strength and function in older hospitalized patients / EJCN

your doctor! Self-medication may not be safe for your health. apteka24.ua is not responsible for possible negative consequences resulting from the use of information posted on the site by users of apteka24.