![]() ![]() Other times, symptoms may be more specific and include koilonychia, pica, and atrophic glossitis ( 29).Ĭompared with younger people, older adults are more likely to have conditions associated with iron deficiency anemia, since these conditions may cause chronic blood loss, lead to iron malabsorption, or involve long-term inflammation ( 29).Įxamples include stomach and intestinal ulcers, intestinal cancer, and chronic kidney disease. Symptoms in this population may be nonspecific and include ( 29): Symptoms of anemia in older adultsĪnemia is common in older adults. Neurological symptoms, like attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), restless leg syndrome, and breath-holding spells, have also been observed in children with iron deficiency anemia ( 28). In chronic anemia, dry mouth, lip inflammation, hair loss, and atrophic glossitis - a condition that makes the tongue smooth and appear glossy - are common ( 28). Common signs and symptoms of anemia in children include ( 28): Iron deficiency is the most prevalent nutritional deficiency in children and adolescents worldwide. Iron deficiency is associated with a poor appetite due to changes in the hunger hormone ghrelin ( 27). Because iron is needed for a healthy immune system, lack of it may increase your risk of infections ( 26). Some people may feel the cold more easily in general or experience cold hands and feet ( 5). Iron deficiency means less oxygen delivery to your hands and feet. Pregnant individuals with iron deficiency may also have a higher risk of depression ( 24, 25). Iron deficiency anemia may be associated with depression in adults. It may also occur during pregnancy ( 23). It usually involves cravings to eat ice, clay, dirt, chalk, or paper, and it may 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 may be linked to many conditions other than iron deficiency. Several other indicators signal that your iron levels may be low. ![]() Other potential signs of iron deficiency anemia This paleness is caused by low levels of hemoglobin, which gives blood its redness.ġ0–14. Skin that’s paler than usual in areas like the face, lower inner eyelids, or nails may be a sign of moderate or severe iron deficiency. In people with darker skin tones, the eyelid may be the only area where this condition is noticeable. If it’s a very pale pink or yellow, you may have iron deficiency. If you pull your lower eyelid down while looking in a mirror, the inside layer should be a vibrant red color. Paleness is more commonly seen in moderate or severe cases of anemia ( 7). However, this condition should be confirmed with a blood test ( 6). Paleness 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 6–11 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 caused by iron deficiency make the blood less red. Skin that’s paler than usual, as well as 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 your tissues, depriving them of energy. ![]() Summaryįatigue is one of the most common symptoms of iron deficiency. Nonetheless, tiredness related to iron deficiency may go hand in hand with weakness, irritability, or difficulty concentrating ( 4). Since tiredness is often considered a part of a busy, modern life, it’s difficult to diagnose an iron deficiency based on 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 is also common in people who simply 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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