Anemia is a condition where your body doesn’t have an adequate amount of oxygen-rich, red blood cells. Therefore, your body’s tissue doesn’t receive enough oxygen. In a majority of cases, the cause of anemia is an iron deficiency. Without iron, your body isn’t able to produce enough hemoglobin for your blood cells. Thus, it’s important to obtain enough iron in your diet, possibly take a ferrous sulfate supplement, and visit a physician immediately if you notice any signs of an iron deficiency.
Iron Deficiency and Anemia Statistics
Iron deficiencies occur mainly in pregnant women. In fact, almost 50 percent of women suffer from an iron deficiency. Twenty percent of non-pregnant women have an iron deficiency. Anemia is not as common in men, though. Statistics indicate that about three percent of men don’t have an adequate amount of iron in their systems. Even a child may lack iron in his or her body.
Pregnant women, non-pregnant women, and children are also the most likely groups to develop anemia. The statistics regarding anemia are similar to those of a nutrient deficiency, as noted by the World Health Organization.
About an Iron Deficiency
Iron is a mineral your body needs to produce hemoglobin, which is necessary for your body to make red blood cells. Red blood cells are necessary for your body to transport oxygen and rid itself of carbon dioxide.
Sometimes, anemia comes due to not consuming enough iron in your diet. Some individuals experience chronic anemia due to a condition or medication. For instance, a health issue like celiac disease may interfere with your ability to absorb iron properly. Pregnancy increases a woman’s risk for a deficiency because the developing baby requires the hemoglobin, and a woman’s blood volume increases during gestation.
Signs of an Iron Deficiency
The signs and symptoms of iron deficiency anemia vary based on how severe your anemia is. In some cases, people with a mild-to-moderate iron deficiency may not have any symptoms. The most common symptoms include fatigue, pale skin, and tongue swelling, among others.
Chronic Fatigue
Chronic fatigue is a symptom of an iron deficiency. It occurs as the result of not enough oxygenated blood circulating throughout your body. Since you have less oxygen, you have less energy. Often, it’s difficult to diagnose the cause of tiredness, but it’s possible to diagnose the underlying problem through testing.
Pale Skin
The tone of your skin could change from being iron deficient. For instance, your skin might look pale because hemoglobin provides your skin with a red tone. Also, you may notice your gums, lower eyelids, nails, or inner lips look pale, too. Usually, paleness only occurs in moderate to severe cases of anemia, though.
Tongue Swelling
Individuals who have low levels of iron may notice their tongue is light colored. It’s possible for your tongue to swell or feel sore. In fact, this occurs a lack of myoglobin — the protein that binds iron and oxygen.
Other Signs
Other signs of an iron deficiency include the following:
- Weakness
- Chest pain
- Tachycardia
- Shortness of breath
- Headache
- Feeling lightheaded
- Cold feet or hands
- Unusual food cravings
- Brittle nails
- Dizziness
Contact Diamond Physicians, serving Southlake, Carrollton, Dallas, and the surrounding Texas areas, for a physical and blood test to diagnose an iron deficiency by using our contact form.