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There are many side effects of low iron. When your body lacks sufficient amounts of iron, a condition known as iron deficiency develops. This is commonly referred to as iron deficiency anemia.
Hemoglobin is a protein found in red blood cells that helps them transport oxygen throughout the body. Without enough hemoglobin, your tissues and muscles will not receive the oxygen they require to function properly.
Iron deficiency anemia is the most common form of blood disorder worldwide. There are many telltale side effects of low iron, that are discussed below.
Side Effects of Low Iron
The symptoms of iron deficiency are listed below, from most common to least, along with advice on what to do if you suspect you have anemia due to a lack of iron.
1) Unusual Tiredness
Fatigue is one of the most common side effects of low iron. Even in the absence of a formal diagnosis of iron deficiency, this symptom is common among those who simply aren't getting enough iron.
Iron deficiency prevents your body from producing hemoglobin, a protein essential for transporting oxygen throughout your body, resulting in fatigue and weakness. More oxygen-rich blood means your heart has to pump harder, which can leave you feeling fatigued.
Given that fatigue is a symptom that is frequently linked to modern living, it can be challenging to diagnose an iron deficiency from a patient's description of their symptoms. However, iron deficiency fatigue can also include symptoms like weakness, irritability, and trouble focusing.
2) Pale Skin
Paler than usual skin and lower eyelids are also signs of low iron in the body.
Due to the lack of hemoglobin in the red blood cells, the blood becomes a paler shade of red when iron levels are low. This is why iron deficiency can cause skin to appear paler or colder than usual.
3) Shortness of Breath
Low oxygen levels result from low hemoglobin levels, which occur during iron deficiency. If this happens, simple tasks like walking will become difficult because your muscles won't have enough oxygen.
To compensate for the body's need for oxygen, start breathing more rapidly. The inability to catch one's breath is therefore a typical symptom.
Iron deficiency can cause fatigue and shortness of breath during physical activity or daily activities that previously required little effort.
4) Dry and Damaged Hair and Skin
The side effects of low iron can manifest as dry skin and hair. The decrease in hemoglobin levels caused by an iron deficiency may result in a decrease in the oxygen supply to the hair-growing cells. Lack of oxygen can cause skin and hair to become dry and brittle.
Some studies have linked iron deficiency to hair loss as well, suggesting it may be a contributing factor, especially in women of childbearing age.
Brushing and washing your hair regularly will likely result in some hair loss. It can be related to iron deficiency if you notice clumping or excessive loss.
5) Restless Legs
Restless leg syndrome can be one of the side effects of low iron. A symptom of this disorder is an incessant need to wiggle your legs even when you're sitting or lying down. This could result in a creeping or itching sensation in the lower extremities.
This may make it difficult for you to get to sleep at night, as it tends to get worse then.
Primary restless leg syndrome has unknown origins at this time. However, it is a known complication of several diseases and disorders, such as iron deficiency anemia.
People with iron deficiency anemia are, in fact, six times more likely to experience RLS than the general population.
6) Heart Palpitations
One of the side effects of low iron is noticeable heartbeats, also known as heart palpitations. Research into the link between iron deficiency, anemia, and heart problems is ongoing, but a lack of oxygen may be to blame.
Hemoglobin is a protein found in RBCs that assists in carrying oxygen throughout the body. Low hemoglobin levels caused by iron deficiency force the heart to work harder to transport oxygen.
This could cause your heart to beat too fast or at odd intervals. This sign of iron deficiency can also aggravate cardiac conditions like heart failure and coronary heart disease.
In conclusion, the side effects of low iron affect more people than any other form of anemia. Depending on how severe the anemia is, some people may exhibit blatant symptoms while others may show no signs at all.
Weakness, pallor, shortness of breath, and dry or damaged hair and skin are typical manifestations. See a physician if you experience any of the signs of an iron deficiency. It is not advisable to attempt a diagnosis on oneself.
Most cases of iron deficiency are easily remedied by eating a diet rich in iron or taking iron supplements, as your doctor may advise.
