Iron is a mineral that needs no introduction. We all know that it is essential to carry a particular protein – hemoglobin – which in turn allows red blood cells to carry oxygen to various locations in the body. Yet, despite being of vital importance, there are many people who have a more or less pathological deficiency. Women, in particular, are at greater risk during their fertile age, especially if they suffer from heavy menstruation. Data from the National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute, speak of an average of 20 percent of women suffering from anemia for this reason. Symptoms of anemia
Before you have even done the blood test, you can realize that you have an iron deficiency or anemia from some fairly typical symptoms. Most of these, however, are not characteristic of this pathology so it is important to request further information from your doctor.
Anemia symptoms Tiredness and anemia
There is no doubt that fatigue is the most typical symptom of a reduction in the level of iron in the blood. In fact, lacking this element, hemoglobin is unable to properly transport oxygen levels in the blood. This can lead to a feeling of chronic tiredness and fatigue even when performing relatively light tasks. Not surprisingly, a study published in the Journal of the American College of Nutrition highlighted how an increase in iron through foods and supplements can improve general well-being, reducing chronic fatigue. This was later confirmed by other, more recent studies which showed that iron supplementation can improve health even in non-anemic women who have low ferritin. There is ferritin
It is a protein found mostly in the bone marrow, liver, spleen and skeletal tissues. It can be measured by blood tests. In fact, it performs a real iron deposit function: it can contain up to 4,500 iron ions. Skin pallor and anemia
Another symptom you hear about when referring to anemia is skin pallor. It’s not about simply having lighter-than-normal skin, but an extremely pale face. This occurs due to the fact that hemoglobin gives the blood a rosy color and, if present in minimal quantities, the skin can appear exaggeratedly ‘dull’. To understand if it is a problem of light color of the complexion or not, just look at other areas of the body. In case of iron deficiency, the inside of the lower eyelids are also extremely clear. The same goes for the gums and, in some cases, the lips.
- Did you know…
The World Health Organization (WHO) has calculated that there are 600-700 million people in the world suffering from iron deficiency.
Shortness of breath and anemia
The main problem is always the same: the reduced quantity of oxygen to the various parts of the body. This could also cause shortness of breath while performing fairly normal actions, such as climbing stairs, walking, running moderately, or carrying heavy objects. If breathing returns to normal as soon as physical activity ends, it is possible that it is just anemia. In other cases it is good to consult your doctor to rule out respiratory, cardiac or tumor pathologies. Hair loss and anemia
It is much more frequent than people think. Losing hair due to an iron deficiency happens to most people. The reduced oxygen does not allow to carry the necessary nourishment, essential for most of the vital functions. This also includes hair growth. A reduced amount of iron and ferritin, according to some studies, could predispose the subject to hair loss and baldness. Problem that in women can drastically worsen at the time of menopause. Brittle nails and anemia
Your nails break easily
Just wet them with a little water and they appear soft like a sheet of paper
Maybe it could be a lack of iron. The speech of the nails is very similar to that of the hair. By running out of oxygen, the body is forced to use most of it for the most important functions, leaving out less vital tasks such as optimal nail growth. Difficulty in concentrations and mnemonic deficits
People suffering from iron deficiency or anemia often experience intense memory deficits and great difficulty concentrating. This is especially evident in the workplace and in the school environment. This is confirmed by a recent British study presented to the Physiological Society for Experimental Biology. The researchers found that anemic women may have a reduced IQ, a worsening of memory and thinking skills. According to scholars, iron is also able to rebalance the secretion of dopamine and serotonin helping to restore cognitive functions. Too cold and anemia
If you feel that you are always too cold, compared to the people around you, it is possible that you have an iron deficiency. Furthermore, iron seems to be intimately correlated with thyroid functions, and as is well known, this important gland regulates body temperature. So, before you buy yet another ultra-warm wool sweater, try to see with your doctor if an iron supplement might help. Other symptoms of anemia
Other symptoms that may suggest iron deficiency are irritable mood, rapid heartbeat, loss of appetite, immune deficiency, sleep disturbances, sadness and depression, restless legs syndrome. The causes of anemia
The causes can be the most varied: improper diet, abundant menstruation, intestinal malabsorption, peptic ulcer, Crohn’s disease, celiac disease, gynecological disorders. Scientific Sources
 Mild Iron Deficiency May Harm Women’s Memory. Experimental Biology Meeting in Washington, DC, April 17-21, 2004
 Iron-Deficiency Anemia – National Library of Medicine
 Iron deficiency in women: assessment, causes and consequences.