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Iron is a essential mineral Whether your body uses to support growth and development, help the production of red blood cells, increase immune function, etc. If you have an iron deficiency, however, your body may not have the necessary iron levels to make a protein in the red blood cells called hemoglobin.

"Our body needs certain vitamins and minerals as a constituent elements for our health," explains Daniel Landau , MD, oncologist and hematologist for The center of mesothelioma . "Our hemoglobin cells, which work to transport oxygen throughout the body, require iron, B vitamins and folic acid specifically."

Although the iron deficiency is among the The most common Caféces around the world, Landau says that many people do not realize that their levels are low, which can cause a range of health problems. "When our body is weak in iron, there are several things that can occur. Tell Better life.

Because the body cannot produce iron, it is important to make sure you get enough of your diet. "There are two types of iron in food: hemical iron and non -hematic iron," explains the American Red Cross (BOW).

"The hemical iron is found in red meat, poultry and pork and is more easily absorbed by your body. Non -hemne iron is not as easily absorbed by your body but is always a good source of iron and essential if You don't eat meat.

The best way to know if you don't get enough iron is to get your doctor to check for your complete blood count (CBC). However, doctors and dietitists say that other red flags can help you turn an iron deficiency.

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When your body does not produce enough hemoglobin and begins to have trouble circulating enough oxygen throughout the body, this can cause iron anemia, which is known for wreaking havoc on your energy levels . "Often it makes people tired or tired," said Landau.

Emily Van Eck , MS, RD, a dietitian recorded at Emily Van Eck Nutrition & Wellness , says that this symptom is often overlooked - especially in women: "Fatigue and iron deficiency are both fairly common in women, but they are not always linked together, or can be missed or rejected as something else . "

According to London University College (UCL), some studies estimate that up to 90% of girls and women who have heavy menstrual bleeding are also iron deficient. Indeed, heavy periods can cause excessive blood loss, which exhausts your iron levels over time.

"For women of reproductive age, the symptom of heavy menstrual bleeding is very widespread and a major contributor to iron deficiency and its most severe manifestation, iron anemia", explains a 2023 study published in the American Obstetrics and Gynecology Journal .

Researchers note that, often, an iron deficiency is not treated in this population: "It is recognized that these two clinical entities are not only very widespread, but that their interrelation is not very appreciated and frequently normalized by the company, the health care providers and affected girls and women themselves.

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Landau says that in some cases, people who do not get enough iron will notice strange desires.

"The low counts of red blood cells can cause additional pressure on certain organs, such as the heart, which must now pump stronger and faster to compensate for the lower number of red blood cells. In addition, the red blood cells which are Products in a low-iron person is smaller and less functional than the red blood cells that are produced in a person with sufficient quantities of iron, "he said.

Consequently, "the body can go into despair mode, which can lead people to try to find iron in strange sources. Explains.

Stéphanie Ooi , MBBS, MRCGP, a general practitioner and Women's health advisor For the Iron Supplement brand, active iron, applies that it is generally a good indicator that it is time to request a blood test. "Although the exact cause of the PICA is not fully understood, it is often associated with nutritional deficiencies, including low iron levels," she said.

Van Eck says that there are several ways including an iron deficiency can cause neurological or cognitive symptoms. In particular, she says that you could feel headache, difficulties in concentrating and dizziness. "In children, anemia can cause irreversible cognitive disorders and difficulty learning," added the dietitian.

However, it is important to note that these symptoms can be caused by a range of other underlying conditions. A doctor can help you determine if they are the result of an iron deficiency or something else.

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"Another notable indication is pale skin and nail beds," explains Ooi. "When the iron levels are low, the body favors the supply of oxygen to the vital organs, resulting in a decrease in blood flow to the skin. This can cause paler complexion and even brittle nails."

Cleveland Clinic adds that some people suffering from iron anemia can develop a rash of itching On their skin "which can become red, bumpy and painful when it is striped".

They note that researchers do not know how itching develops, but they say that a main theory is that low iron levels can make skin thinner. This leads to a loss of water which ultimately triggers a feeling of itching.

According to the American Society of Hematology, " brittle nails or hair loss "are also considered to be symptoms of iron iron anemia.

Developing a quick or irregular heart rate can also point out that you don't get enough iron. "Severe anemia can alter heart rhythms and even cause a heart attack," said Van Eck Better life. AE0FCC31AE342FD3A1346EBB1F342FCB

THE Mayo clinic Explain that this can happen in serious cases of iron anemia, because "your heart must pump more blood to compensate for the lack of oxygen carried in your blood when you are anemic.

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When your heart rate changes due to not getting enough iron, you may be able to hear this subtle difference. The low iron levels are associated with pulsatile tinnitus, which can make you hear a "Whooshing" sound in your ears that coincides with your pulse.

If you notice this symptom, do not try to treat it at home by increasing your iron levels alone. "Pulsatile tinnitus should be reported immediately as it could indicate a serious heart disease," said Hoffman audiology , a medical group that deals with hearing conditions in Irvine, California.

Having shortness of breath or chest pain during or after exercise may indicate a serious heart disease, it is therefore crucial to request immediate medical assistance if you experience a set of severe or prolonged symptoms. However, after excluding more serious conditions, your doctor may want to check your iron levels to determine if they are low, explains Ooi.

“The test of shortness of breath, especially during physical activity, is a current symptom [iron deficiency]. Without enough iron to support the transport of oxygen, the body is struggling to respond to increased oxygen requests during the exercise, which leads to shortness of breath, "she explains.

If you think you don't get enough iron, follow your symptoms and share your concerns with your doctor. They may recommend increasing your food iron consumption or taking iron supplements , but as Van Eck points out, it is also "important to deal with any underlying condition which caused low iron in the first place".

Best Life offers the most up -to -date information for high -level experts, new research and health agencies, but our content is not supposed to replace professional advice. Regarding the medication you take or any other health issue you have, always consult your health care provider directly.