What Are Some Weird Signs of Iron Deficiency

This is one of the most common nutritional deficiencies that develop in millions of people worldwide. While everyone remains more familiar with the traditional symptoms, which include fatigue, weakness, and pale skin, there are lesser-known symptoms that may be overlooked. Indeed, diagnosing these lesser-known symptoms may prove to be necessary for early intervention and proper treatment. In this article, we shall discuss a few weird signs of iron deficiency that you ought to know about.

 

1. Brittle Nails

 

Understanding the Connection

One of the more surprising signs of iron deficiency is brittle or spoon-shaped nails, medically known as koilonychia. In this case, when your body lacks adequate iron, your overall health conditions including your nails may be affected in terms of becoming thin and weak or taking the shape of a spoon.

 

Why Is It So?

Keratin is the protein used for making nails, but its generation depends on the presence of iron. Without sufficient iron in your body, you may lose the strength and flexibility of your nails and will likely end up breaking or getting deformed. You might need to check on the amount of iron in your body if you always find your nails breaking or have lost their natural shape.

 

2. Pica

Pica is one of the acquired appetite disorders that arise due to cravings for non-food materials such as dirt, clay, chalk, or paper. This symptom goes beyond the ordinary and might be associated with iron deficiency, especially among children and pregnant women.

 

The Science Behind Pica

The actual reason why some patients develop pica secondary to iron deficiency anemia is unknown, but the body's cravings for non-nutritive items can be compensating for missing important nutrients. For instance, when it comes to iron deficiency, it may be that some develop an urge to consume substances carrying trace minerals or even ones that give a feeling.

 

Treatment of Pica

If you or your friend in the social circle suffers from pica, seek evaluation from a health-care provider. Most iron deficiencies can be treated by diet or supplements and make such pica incidences minimal cases.

 

3. Restless Legs Syndrome (RLS)

Restless Legs Syndrome is an illness that causes an uncontrollable urge to move the legs by uncomfortable feelings.

 

Relation between Iron Deficiency and RLS

One of the key contributions of iron is in the facilitation of dopamine synthesis. This neurotransmitter controls movement, and a lack of this essential metal leads to RLS symptoms. A high sensitivity to move one's legs may grow stronger at night, based on the possible reason of a deficiency of iron.

 

Treatment of RLS Symptoms

If you suspect your RLS has something to do with an iron deficiency, take the test and treatment step of getting to see a healthcare provider. Introducing iron-rich foods in your diet or supplementing according to what your healthcare provider says will help improve the symptoms.

 

View More: What Are The Three Essential Stages Of Iron Deficiency

4. Cold intolerance

 

The connection between iron and thermoregulation

Another relatively rare symptom of iron deficiency is hypersensitivity to cold. People with inadequate iron usually appear to perceive temperatures as colder than they actually are. This may be manifested either by cold hands and feet or a feeling of being generally chilled.

 

Reason?

Iron is essential in the production of the protein hemoglobin inside red blood cells used to transport oxygen all over one's body. If iron levels are low, tissues would not be able to receive proper oxygen supply. Body temperature might also be affected, as if your body cannot hold the heat because of a lack of oxygen, it might become sensitive to cold.

 

Methods to Combat Cold Sensitivity

When you feel some kind of intense chill, then you have to recall the levels of iron in your body. Foods which are high in iron content combined with high vitamin C nutrition will raise their absorption and can aid to comfort yourself better and keep oneself warm to a better extent.

 

5. Headaches and Dizziness

 

Association with Iron Deficiency

In addition to this, iron deficiency may cause a person to suffer from headaches and dizziness. The human body always has iron deficiency that can only help the body produce a small amount of hemoglobin; thus, it cannot provide sufficient oxygen to the brain.

 

Awareness of Symptoms

Iron-deficiency patients often have different type of character headaches that they get because of their regular tension or migraine conditions. This can also be combined with dizziness, dizziness, and even fainting in the worst cases.

 

Headache and Dizziness Treatment

If the migraines and dizziness persist, then head to a healthcare provider. They may ask for a blood test to establish the level of iron in your body as well as advise on dietary supplementation.

 

6. Hair Loss Understanding Hair Health and Iron

For most, iron deficiency is the least important and can be blamed by several factors. Less than adequate iron availability causes an interruption in the cycle of hair development and leads to shedding excessively and thinning.

 

Why do you need Iron for Hair?

There must be the availability of iron to provide necessary circulation ensuring oxygen and nutrients to reach the hair follicle. Poor levels of iron cause the body to work on only those capabilities that will provide for survival, hence causing hair loss.

 

Hair Health Improvement

Increase your iron-riich diet intake like spinach, lentils, and lean meat. Consult a health-care provider in case your hair loss is massive.

 

7. Waxy Complexion

 

Role of Iron in Skin Health

One of the most infrequent symptoms associated with iron deficiency is a light or pale complexion. Though iron gives blood its characteristic color due to hemoglobin pigment, if it is not present adequately in the blood, your skin might appear pale and faded.

 

Definition/Definition of Pale Complexion

If you find out that your skin is pale and, as a rule, more visible on the face and inner eyelids; well this might, of course be an iron deficiency anemia sign. However if you feel that something is definitely wrong-considering all things, after all, are you any more tired or weaker than you can ever remember-then that's something more of a cause for worry.

 

Steps to Take

The doctor would intensify your blood test if you think your pale appearance of the skin is caused due to a deficiency. You may continue indulging in more iron-rich food stuffs and observe whether you would require supplementation with iron to restore the glow to the skin.

 

Conclusion

The deficiency of iron may thus portray numerous several, typically unsuspected signs apart from the common ones. Other less common signs and symptoms of iron deficiency include brittle nails, pica, restless legs syndrome, sensitivity to colds, headaches, hair loss, and paleness. These silent signs can make you take the initiative in your health.

Once an iron deficiency is suspected, it should be discussed with a medical professional who may produce an appropriate diagnosis as well as proper treatment. Advantages of avoiding iron deficiency include maintaining general health, and preventing complications associated with the condition.

Please book an appointment with the Best General Physician in Lahore, Karachi, Islamabad, and all major cities of Pakistan through InstaCare, or call our helpline at 03171777509 to find a verified doctor for your disease