Three unique indicators of Iron deficiency.
Could you list the top three most well-known symptoms of iron deficiency??
If you said fatigue, pale skin, and low immunity you’d be right. Other well-known symptoms of iron deficiency are dizziness, headaches, shortness of breath and poor circulation... But what else? What else can happen when someone is lacking iron? Given this is a deficiency state which affects 20% of Australian women aged between 25-49 years, it's pretty important that we know!
Here are three other indicators that are quite unique to Iron deficiency...
A craving for ice and/or pica (craving for non-foods – like hair, rubber bands, clay and dirt) - This is quite a common presentation for kids with iron deficiency.
Restless leg syndrome – This is so common in iron deficiency, especially during pregnancy. Low levels of iron in the blood can lead to a fall in dopamine, triggering restless leg syndrome. Other common deficiencies which may also cause restless legs are magnesium, calcium and of course, dehydration.
Koilonychia – concave/ spoon like nails. Koilonychia occurs in 5.4% of folks with iron deficiency. It’s likely due to nail matrix changes due to blood flow abnormalities.
Some other manifestations of iron deficiency include a swollen tongue, a low appetite and hair loss.Of course, a diagnosis of Iron deficiency and/ or anaemia is made on signs, symptoms AND blood test results. Before going for a blood test to assess your iron status, make sure you fast for between 8-12 hours beforehand and avoid intense exercise for 24-48 hours prior for accurate results. I also can’t stress the importance of the correct interpretation of iron studies and general blood work in relation to iron metabolism. Please, get a second and third opinion if need be as there are risks associated misdiagnosis (i.e. taking iron unnecessarily AND missing a deficiency completely both carry risk).
Considering iron deficiency is the most common deficiency globally (affecting 33% of the world’s population), it’s crucial that we truly understand how this deficiency can present itself!
Have more questions about iron deficiency? Head HERE.
