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According to the World Health Organization, up to 80 percent of people in the world do not get enough iron. Do you know the symptoms of iron deficiency? Here are the early warning signs to look out for and six foods you should start eating today to boost your iron levels.
Iron deficiency can make you feel lethargic and exhausted. Your body needs iron to make hemoglobin, a substance found in red blood cells that helps them efficiently transport oxygen to your tissues and muscles.
What are the symptoms of iron deficiency anemia?
The NHS has warned that the most common symptoms of iron deficiency include:
- Fatigue and lack of energy
- Dyspnea
- Palpitations (palpitations)
- Pale skin
Less common symptoms of iron deficiency are:
- Headache
- Ringing, buzzing or hissing in the head
- Strange taste of food
- Itchy skin
- Hair loss
- Desire to eat inedible objects such as paper or ice
- Difficulty swallowing (dysphagia)
- Painful open ulcers in the corners of the mouth
- Spoon-shaped nails
- Restless legs syndrome
If you have symptoms of iron deficiency anaemia, you should see your GP for a blood test to confirm whether you have the condition.
Your doctor will then suggest that you start taking iron supplements or switch to a more iron-rich diet. Which foods are rich in iron and which should be avoided?
- Red meat or, if you are vegetarian or plant-based, beans and legumes as substitutes
- Liver
- Nuts
- Dark green leafy vegetables
- Dried fruits including prunes, apricots and raisins
