This Is How You Can Find Out If You Are Suffering From Iron Deficiency
One of the most common nutrient deficiencies around the world has to be iron deficiency, which is also known as anaemia. This condition is commonly observed when the human body does not possess the appropriate amount of iron to produce haemoglobin. Haemoglobin is a protein found in red blood cells that allows them to carry oxygen around the body.
One of the most common sufferers of iron deficiency anaemia tends to be pregnant or menstruating women because of the blood loss that occurs during this period. But they are definitely not the only ones affected by it as any man or older woman are at an equal risk of developing this condition. Even if this condition does not sound too serious, it needs to be taken proper care of. If this condition is left untreated, it can lead to many serious issues like internal bleeding, an enlarged heart and even heart failure.
However, there is still a silver lining to this condition. The silver lining is that this condition is easily treatable, the person needs to take a regular intake of iron supplement, but, people should only intake iron supplements if they have been diagnosed with iron deficiency. The human body shows different signs and symptoms of iron deficiency that should not be taken lightly if you want to get diagnosed at a proper time.
In case you come across some signs of iron deficiency, you need to identify them and act accordingly.
These are some of the common signs of iron deficiency anaemia:
- Fatigue
One of the most common symptoms of iron deficiency anaemia is fatigue. As explained earlier, the lack of iron in the body tends to make the process of making haemoglobin difficult. Without the appropriate amount of haemoglobin in the blood, it is difficult for a sufficient amount of oxygen to reach your tissues and muscles, which makes you feel fatigued or exhausted. Furthermore, the heart also has to work harder in order to move more oxygen-rich blood around the body. This overtask also adds to the fatigue.
- Paleness
Haemoglobin is a protein in red blood cells that gives blood its red colour and gives our skin a healthy look. Lower levels of iron in the body take away the red appearance of the blood and the skin in turn starts looking pale. Pale skin or pale colouring within the lower eyelid also signifies iron deficiency anaemia. When suffering from this condition, the person’s face, gums, lips, lower eyelids and nails will appear colourless.
- Breathlessness
When the haemoglobin level in the body is considerably low due to the lack of iron, the body perceives it as hard to supply oxygen to tissues and when the muscles don’t get enough oxygen, it is natural to feel tired while walking or performing any other physical task.
- Heart palpitation
Heart palpitations can also be an added symptom of iron deficiency anaemia. Lower levels of haemoglobin in the blood mean that our heart has to work extra hard in order to transport oxygen to different parts of the body. This can be a cause for irregular heartbeats and if this condition is not treated properly, it may lead to enlarged heart, heart murmur or heart failure.
- Eyesight
The lower level of haemoglobin can also lead to weakened eyesight.
- Damage to hair and skin
Low levels of iron in the body can lead to dry skin, damaged hair and brittle nails. Lack of haemoglobin and in turn lack of oxygen leads to the hair and skin not getting proper nutrients which in turn leads to damage and dry and weak skin and hair.
In case you notice any of these symptoms of iron deficiency, you need to talk to your doctor. It is easy to diagnose iron-deficiency anaemia with just a blood test and the doctor may prescribe some appropriate dietary changes for better and timely treatment of this condition.