There are many causes of iron deficiency. Anaemia is the most common, worldwide, affecting roughly 20% women, 50% pregnant women, where-as 3% men. Anaemia is a condition in which there is a shortage of red blood cells or of haemoglobin in the blood which ultimately results in paleness or exhaustion.
Women are always at a higher risk of having iron deficiency because of more requirements needed during pregnancy and monthly blood loss due to the menstrual periods. At first, iron deficiency may be minor and cause no indicators. Although, the early signs of iron deficiency in women may be unnoticed and considered just a normal part of our busy lives. But if not fixed over time, the signs of iron deficiency anaemia increase.
Common Causes:
Poor iron consumption through diet, deprived absorption because of celiac or inflammatory bowel disease, and a slow lasting internal bleeding, such as from a peptic ulcer or colon polyp.
Signs And Symptoms:
1. Uncommon Exhaustion/Tiredness
When the body does not have sufficient haemoglobin, muscles and tissues cannot get enough oxygen to work successfully, causing muscle weakness and fatigue.
2. Dry And Pale Skin
Reduced oxygen delivery to the scalp and skin can affect as a pale complexion, including gums and lips, the inner layer of the lower eyelid, and dry and brittle hair and nails.
3. Shortness of breath
This can occur as the lungs attempt to deliver the normal amount of oxygen for the body tissues but fails to do so due to low levels of oxygen
4. Heart trembles
This can occur as the heart attempts to keep fulfilling the demand for freshly oxygenated blood.
5. Spinning Head
Headache, dizziness or light-headedness may be signs of decreased oxygen delivery to the brain.
6. Cold
Cold hands and feet because of less circulation of oxygen to the farthest points in the body.
7. Swelling of Tongue
Swelling or pain in the tongue may be a sign of certain nutritional lacks, including iron.
8. Non-food Cravings
Craving for things as dirt or clay. This condition is generally known as pica, might be the one which is related to iron deficiency.
The general recommendation for this problem is to eat iron-rich foods, such as liver, seafood, red meat and spinach. It is frequently suggested to eat all these alongside foods rich in vitamin C, such as citrus fruits, broccoli or strawberries, to help increase iron absorption. For ideal absorption, it is best to ingest iron at a different time from milk, tea, coffee or other foods rich in calcium which can interfere with iron absorption.
Anaemia, iron deficiency can commonly be corrected with the intake of iron supplements. However, taking unnecessary iron when you are not lacking can be very harmful to the liver, so it’s not a good idea to self-diagnose oneself on iron deficiency signs. It is really important to see your doctor test for anaemia and prevent any hidden cause of the iron deficiency.
