What are 4 symptoms of iron-deficiency anemia?

Iron deficiency anemia is a common condition where the body doesn’t have sufficient iron to form haemoglobin, a protein within red blood cells responsible for oxygen transport. Lacking iron, your body does not efficiently deliver oxygen, causing several medical problems. The iron deficiency anemia symptoms may range from minor to serious, depending on how much iron levels are low.

Women are at a greater risk of developing low iron symptoms in females mainly during menstruation, pregnancy or due to insufficient dietary intake. Unless treated, iron deficiency anemia can greatly affect your day-to-day life.

Here are four important symptoms of the condition you should know-

• Weakness and extreme fatigue – Probably one of the most widespread signs of iron deficiency anemia is chronic fatigue. Without iron, the body cannot create enough hemoglobin, which lowers the amount of oxygen that is transported to the muscles and tissues. It leads to constant tiredness, even after getting sufficient rest.
• Brittle nails and Pale skin- Insufficiency of iron in the body impacts the appearance of your nails and complexion. If the hemoglobin amount decreases as a result of iron deficiency anemia, your lips, face, inner eyelids, and handskin get pale.
• Shortness of Breath and Dizziness- As iron is required for oxygen delivery, decreased iron levels can cause shortness of breath, particularly on exertion. You may find that routine activities such as climbing the stairs or walking short distances make you breathless. In addition to this, dizziness or repeated spells of light-headedness is a low iron symptom in female patients tend to exhibit, since lacking oxygen supply to the body impacts brain function.
• Pica and Restless Legs Syndrome- Certain individuals with iron deficiency anemia begin experiencing pica, a condition when they show unusual cravings for non-food items such as ice, dirt, or clay. Although the exact cause of this remains unknown, it is associated with extreme iron deficiency. Another frequent yet less familiar symptom is Restless Legs Syndrome (RLS), in which individuals have an overwhelming urge to move their legs that worsens during the night and disrupts sleep.

When to See a Doctor?

If you are having any of these symptoms of iron deficiency anemia, it is recommended that you seek a healthcare professional. A simple blood test will reveal your level of iron and reveal the cause of anemia. Women who often have low iron symptoms because of heavy menstruation or pregnancy ought to be very careful with their iron intake and may use iron-containing foods or supplements as advised by a physician.

Prevent Iron deficiency with Trimacare prenatal vitamins

Trimacare prenatal vitamin is the one-stop solution for 20+ essential nutrients required during pregnancy. These pregnancy pills are designed by a renowned expert and follow ICMR and WHO guidelines.

Trimacare prenatal multivitamin averts anemia by maintaining a sufficient level of iron to help the formation of red blood cells and healthy hemoglobin.

Conclusion-

Iron deficiency anemia is a controllable disease, but catching it early prevents complications. If you feel persistent fatigue, pale complexion, shortness of breath, or odd cravings, these may be iron deficiency anemia symptoms.

Healthy dietary changes, iron supplements, and lifestyle adjustments can restore levels of healthy iron. Always consult a doctor to treat low iron symptoms in females and achieve optimal health.