Iron is an important mineral for red blood cell health, found in two red blood cell proteins, hemoglobin and myoglobin. Iron helps transport oxygen from the lungs to the rest of the body, supporting connective tissue health.
Dark green leafy vegetables such as spinach, kale... have the effect of supplementing iron - Illustration photo
Iron deficiency can occur if you have a medical condition that reduces your body's ability to absorb iron, such as inflammatory bowel disease or celiac disease. People who don't eat enough iron-rich foods or have higher iron needs due to pregnancy or breastfeeding are also at risk.
Because iron is present in the blood, blood loss can also cause iron deficiency, from heavy menstrual periods, gastrointestinal bleeding, trauma, or urinary tract bleeding. Early recognition of iron deficiency is important to prevent serious complications such as heart problems, pregnancy complications, or developmental delays in children.
Feeling tired
Fatigue is one of the most common symptoms of iron deficiency. You may feel weak and tired for no apparent reason, even after getting enough sleep. This happens because iron deficiency reduces hemoglobin, which means that not enough oxygen is transported to your tissues.
Iron deficiency is also linked to sleep disorders like insomnia and restless legs syndrome, which disrupt sleep and increase feelings of fatigue. This feeling, along with other symptoms, may indicate that you are iron deficient.
Hands and feet are always cold
Having cold hands and feet all the time can be a sign of iron deficiency, even when the environment isn't cold. Similar to fatigue, this symptom is related to the role of hemoglobin in the body.
When there is not enough hemoglobin, blood circulation is reduced, causing oxygen to not be transported effectively to distant areas such as the hands and feet. You may feel colder than other people, not only in the hands and feet but also throughout the body.
Unusual pale skin
You may have an iron deficiency if your skin is paler than usual. Pale skin is a sign of poor circulation, which can occur when the body cannot produce red blood cells due to anemia.
This symptom can manifest differently depending on skin pigmentation. The paleness may be more noticeable in lighter skin tones, and can be seen on the face. In darker skin tones, the unusual paleness can be easily detected on the inside of the mouth and the mucous membranes of the eyes.
Dizziness or lightheadedness
Another common symptom of iron deficiency is dizziness or lightheadedness. This happens because when the body is low on iron, there are not enough red blood cells to carry oxygen to the brain and other organs.
Feeling dizzy is not a symptom specific to iron deficiency; it can signal a variety of health problems of varying severity. Consider whether you are experiencing this symptom along with other signs of iron deficiency.
Frequent headaches
When your brain doesn’t get enough oxygen, you can get a headache. Iron deficiency can also cause blood vessels to swell, causing pressure and headaches. There is a strong link between iron deficiency and chronic daily headaches. Migraines are also common in people with iron deficiency.
Weak or brittle hair and nails
Brittle nails can be a sign of iron deficiency. As iron deficiency progresses, you may develop spoon nails (koilonychia), which are nails that curve inward and become ridged, like a spoon. About 5% of people with iron deficiency develop this condition, which is caused by abnormal blood flow to the nails and mechanical stress that causes the outer part of the nail to grow upward.
Iron deficiency can also cause thinning hair and hair loss because of the lack of nutrients and blood flow needed for hair growth. Many studies have shown that iron deficiency is a common cause of hair loss.
Iron deficiency also causes hair loss and thinning - Illustration photo
How to test for iron deficiency?
If you notice any signs or symptoms of iron deficiency, consider contacting your doctor. You should also talk to your doctor if you notice blood or black, tarry stools.
Your doctor can check for iron deficiency through blood tests, including a complete blood count (CBC) and reticulocyte count. In addition, serum iron levels, total iron-binding capacity, and serum ferritin tests may also be performed to diagnose iron deficiency.
Tips for iron supplementation
To prevent or control iron deficiency, start by eating iron-rich foods such as beans, dried fruit, eggs, lean red meat, salmon, iron-fortified cereals, peas, tofu, and dark green leafy vegetables.
Combining these foods with a source of vitamin C (such as oranges, tomatoes, strawberries) will help your body absorb iron better, especially from plant sources. If you are iron deficient or at risk, taking iron supplements under the guidance of your doctor can help maintain the iron levels needed for your body.
Your doctor can determine the appropriate dose of iron supplement based on your current iron levels and health conditions. It may take 3-6 months of supplementation to restore normal iron levels.
Iron supplements may cause side effects such as nausea, diarrhea, or constipation. If these occur, your doctor may recommend taking them with food or reducing the dose.
In severe cases, you may need intravenous iron or a blood transfusion. If the iron deficiency is caused by internal bleeding or kidney disease, surgery or medication may be needed to correct the cause.
Source: https://tuoitre.vn/nhung-dau-hieu-suc-khoe-cho-thay-co-the-cua-ban-can-them-sat-20241227082453568.htm
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