Signs of an iron deficiency in the body

This is an automatically translated article.

Iron deficiency causing anemia is a common health problem. Iron deficiency in the body will affect many organs and parts and manifest outwardly. Some signs of iron deficiency that you can recognize such as hair loss, pale skin, or nervousness, ...

In the body, iron plays an important role because it creates hemoglobin (hemoglobin) that carries oxygen to organs and organs. Iron deficiency will cause an abnormal decrease in the number of red blood cells in the blood and all tissues and muscles will not work properly because they do not receive enough oxygen.
Iron deficiency can occur in groups of people and in cases such as: pregnant women, people with severe blood loss, internal bleeding, inflammatory bowel disease, restricted nutrition or diet. abstinence.
Here are the signs of iron deficiency that you need to recognize to promptly supplement this important mineral. However, depending on many factors such as age, health status, level of anemia, ... the manifestation of iron deficiency will be different.

1. Signs the body lacks iron

1.1 Identify iron deficiency through nails, skin and hair You can recognize iron deficiency in the body by observing that nails have characteristics such as brittle nails, very easy to break, round nails with spoon-shaped shapes. Such an iron deficiency and manifests in the nails is also known as koilonychia, which is usually seen only in people with very severe iron deficiency and is very rare.
In addition to nails, skin and hair also show that the body is lacking iron if you find your skin and hair becomes drier, even hair loss. Iron deficiency causes dry skin and hair because there is not enough iron in the body to make red blood cells that carry oxygen.

1.2 Identify iron deficiency by skin color Pale, pale and pale skin can be a sign of iron deficiency. This is a common sign in people with iron deficiency because the body does not get enough iron to produce red hemoglobin, making the skin not as rosy as when it is supplied enough.
Pale skin due to iron deficiency can show up anywhere, but is most noticeable on the face, in the lips, gums and fingernails.
Blood test is the best way to accurately check the body for iron deficiency, combined with skin manifestations.
1.3 Identify iron deficiency through breathing, heart rate When you feel short of breath even during normal activities such as walking, working, going up stairs, ... it may be a sign of deficiency in the body. iron . Iron deficiency causes shortness of breath because organs such as muscles do not receive enough oxygen, forcing the body to adjust its breathing rate to increase to get more oxygen.
In addition, the heart also beats faster when there is a lack of iron to be able to provide enough oxygen for the whole body. So, when you lack iron, you will feel like a drum in your chest, because your heart beats faster than normal.
Iron deficiency causes shortness of breath, heart palpitations are dangerous signs that need to be treated so as not to lead to enlarged heart, heart failure, lung failure.
1.4. Recognizing iron deficiency through headaches, body fatigue Headache, dizziness, dizziness, poor concentration are manifestations of many diseases and health problems, including iron deficiency. The brain does not receive enough oxygen due to the body's lack of iron will increase pressure on the blood vessels in the brain and cause headaches.
In addition to headaches, the body will also feel tired because all organs and parts do not receive enough oxygen to function and the heart is forced to contract more to carry oxygen everywhere.
1.5 Identify iron deficiency through mouth, feet You can look inside your mouth to check if your tongue is inflamed, swollen or pale in color. It is a sign that the body is suffering from iron deficiency because the tongue muscles do not receive enough myoglobin to function. On the outside of your mouth, you need to check for dry mouth, ulcers, or cracks in the corners of your mouth.
There is a syndrome associated with iron deficiency called restless or restless legs syndrome. This syndrome appears and has more severe manifestations when the body is resting at night, that is, the legs will be itchy, uncomfortable and make it difficult for the patient to sleep. Studies have found that up to 25% of people experience this syndrome when the body is iron deficient and the condition is worse when there is severe iron deficiency.

1.6 Other signs of iron deficiency In addition to the signs of iron deficiency mentioned above, there are other symptoms that you need to pay attention to such as:
Cold hands and feet: The body does not have enough iron to make hemoglobin. carry oxygen to the organs, causing cold hands and feet. The body is prone to infection problems: In the body, iron is an important mineral that helps strengthen the immune system. When the body lacks iron, the body is more susceptible to infection problems due to a weaker immune system. Cravings for strange foods: Iron deficiency makes you crave strange foods that can be seen in pregnant women, you will feel cravings for ice or other strange foods.

2. Prevent the body from iron deficiency

After blood tests, combined with clinical manifestations, the doctor will evaluate the body's iron deficiency to prescribe iron supplements with appropriate dosage. If you have a mild iron deficiency, you can take a daily iron supplement in combination with food to enhance iron absorption. If severe iron deficiency leads to anemia, you may need a blood transfusion to quickly replenish hemoglobin.
In the daily diet, priority should be given to increasing red meat (beef), dark green vegetables (spinach), animal liver and whole grains. Besides the diet, the group of subjects at risk of iron deficiency such as pregnant women need to take more iron tablets combined with folic acid to ensure adequate iron needs for the mother and the development of the fetus.
When supplementing with iron, it is important to note that the best time to use is before or after breakfast. In particular, it should be remembered not to take iron if you are taking calcium or other beverages such as coffee or tea because it reduces iron absorption. Instead, it can be taken with vitamin C-rich drinks such as orange juice to increase iron absorption.
Pale skin, dry hair that is easy to break, brittle nails, body fatigue, accompanied by headaches, dizziness, dizziness, ... can be signs that your body lacks the iron you need Note and check your health to timely supplement iron for the body.
Currently, Vinmec International General Hospital is implementing a general health check package for all age groups with comprehensive examination services. Vinmec is also one of the very few hospitals that has a full range of doctors specializing in nutrition, cardiology, endocrinology, gastroenterology, neurology, psychology.... helping to advise on the best baby's diet and treatment. quickly and promptly treat diseases detected during medical examination.

Please dial HOTLINE for more information or register for an appointment HERE. Download MyVinmec app to make appointments faster and to manage your bookings easily.