10 Disturbing Symptoms That Mean Your Body Is Lacking Iron

Nov 16, 2018

Iron deficiency is the world's most common nutritional disorder. The World Health Organization reports that the vast majority of the Earth's population -- a staggering 80% of us! -- do not have as much iron as they need for optimal health resulting in iron deficiency.

Unchecked iron deficiency can eventually lead to anemia, an illness which affects 30% of human beings. Read on to learn about these 10 disturbing signs your body may be lacking iron.

Also known as fatigue, extreme exhaustion is one of the first signs people notice when they suspect an iron deficiency. This fatigue is caused by a decrease in oxygen resulting from a lack of iron. Since this oxygen decrease affects all parts of the body, your fatigue may also come with muscle weakness, problems focusing, and an inability to carry out basic tasks like light housework.

Your skin and hair are only as healthy as the rest of your body. When your body is without proper iron levels, you can expect drier skin and thinning hair. This is due to iron's role in storing and releasing ferritin, a protein responsible for strengthening your skin and hair (along with your nails as well). Keep an eye on increased split ends and whether or not your regular skin moisturizing routine is delivering the results you're used to seeing.

The importance of iron can be seen in its role in muscle health throughout your entire body. Dopamine, a neurotransmitter in the brain, is directly affected by levels of iron; lower iron means lower dopamine. Dopamine's role in keeping muscles communicating with the brain can, therefore, be diminished by iron deficiency. This means iron deficiency can cause uncontrollable muscle spasms, especially in the lower extremities.

Do your nails feel thin and weak? Are they damaged by simple acts like opening up a soda can? One of the first signs of anemia (the most severe form of iron deficiency) is weak and brittle nails that rip as easily as paper. Broken nails clearly not caused by everyday wear and tear should be brought to your doctor's attention.

Iron deficiency destroys red blood cells. As they break down in the kidneys, red blood cells travel into the bladder thereby creating blood in your urine. This inevitably causes related bladder pain that can move into the lower abdomen.

An iron deficiency also means a hemoglobin deficiency. When blood is unable to carry as much hemoglobin as it should, your heart has to work overtime because it is not getting as much oxygen as it needs to keep your cardiovascular system in working order. This extra cardiovascular stress means you may feel your heart skipping a beat every now and then, or varied speed at which it beats.

The same hemoglobin deficiency that causes an irregular heartbeat will cause a lack of oxygen throughout the rest of your organs, including your lungs. This may result in shortness of breath especially while exercising.

A rosy complexion and bright skin come from a healthy amount of red blood cells. When red blood cells are destroyed from a lack of iron, parts of the skin known for their redness like lips and gums may begin fading to a lighter pink shade as well.

Blood vessels in the brain begin to swell when they are not receiving enough oxygen. Swollen blood vessels cause neurological problems like severe head and neck pain, nausea, eye pain, dizziness, light sensitivity, and other symptoms of migraine headaches.

This symptom is a little-known sign of iron deficiency. Myoglobin is a protein that promotes oxygen flow within your mouth and is -- you guessed it -- created by iron. Decreased myoglobin causes symptoms of an unhealthy mouth like dryness, cracks in the corners of your mouth, unexplained chapped lips, and a swollen tongue.

Do you suspect you have an iron deficiency? Let us know about your experiences with iron deficiency or anemia and pass this along to your friends and family - you never know who could be suffering without even realizing why!

Our content is created to the best of our knowledge, yet it is of general nature and cannot in any way substitute an individual consultation by your doctor. Your health is important to us!