It can also occur during pregnancy ( 23). It usually involves cravings to eat ice, clay, dirt, chalk, or paper and could be a sign of iron deficiency. A hankering for strange foods or non-food items is called pica. Other signs of iron deficiency anemia include: These tend to be less common and can be linked to many conditions other than iron deficiency. There are several other signs that your iron could be low. This is caused by lower levels of hemoglobin, which gives blood its red color. Skin that is paler than usual in areas such as the face, lower inner eyelids, or nails may be a sign of moderate or severe iron deficiency. In people with darker skin tones, this may be the only area where it is noticeable. If it is a very pale pink or yellow color, this may indicate that you have iron deficiency.
If you pull your lower eyelid down, the inside layer should be a vibrant red color. Paleness is more commonly seen in moderate or severe cases of anemia ( 7).
However, it should be confirmed with a blood test ( 6). This is often one of the first things doctors will look for as a sign of iron deficiency. That’s why skin can lose some of its color or warmth in people with iron deficiency.Ī study in children ages 6 to 11 found that paleness associated with iron deficiency may appear all over the body or be limited to one area, such as the ( 7):
The hemoglobin in red blood cells gives blood its red color, so low levels during iron deficiency make the blood less red. Skin that is paler than usual and pale coloring of the inside of the lower eyelids are other common symptoms of iron deficiency ( 5, 6). This is due to less oxygen reaching body tissues, depriving them of energy. Summaryįatigue is one of the most common symptoms of iron deficiency. However, it is possible for some people with iron deficiency to experience low energy alongside weakness, irritability, or difficulty concentrating ( 4). Since tiredness is often considered a normal part of a busy, modern life, it can be difficult to diagnose iron deficiency with this symptom alone. Your heart also has to work harder to move more oxygen-rich blood around your body, which can make you tired ( 2). Without enough hemoglobin, less oxygen reaches your tissues and muscles, depriving them of energy. This fatigue happens because your body lacks the iron it needs to make a protein called hemoglobin, which helps carry oxygen around your body. This symptom can also be common in people who just don’t have enough iron, even if they haven’t received a diagnosis of deficiency ( 2, 3). Feeling very tired is one of the most common symptoms of iron deficiency anemia.
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