How to recognize the symptoms of iron deficiency

Exhaustion, tiredness, hair loss, sleep disorders – all of these can be signs of iron deficiency. Here you can find out how to recognize the symptoms of iron deficiency and what the causes are.

Iron can be found in almost every cell in the human body. The trace element plays an important role in the energy balance in particular. The symptoms of iron deficiency often appear gradually. It is not uncommon for it to be extremely complex, which is why the undersupply cannot be determined immediately. Because of this, most people live with an iron deficiency without even knowing it. They attribute fatigue to a stressful everyday life. Even doctors do not find it easy to determine that the trace element is missing. However, if a person constantly complains of tiredness, this indicates a lack of iron.

This is how the doctor determines an undersupply of iron

If the doctor suspects iron deficiency, he will do a blood test. As part of this, the doctor examines the blood for the revealing parameters
  • CRP
  • Ferritin
  • transferrin saturation
and can then clearly assign the cause of the complaints presented to an iron deficiency. However, it may also be due to another disease.

Symptoms of iron deficiency

Iron deficiency can be caused by a variety of symptoms . The most common include:
  • brittle fingernails
  • cracked corners of the mouth
  • Sensitivity to cold
  • increased susceptibility to infection
  • states of exhaustion
  • gloomy mood
  • hair loss
  • hardly any drive
  • headache
  • sleep disorders
  • difficulty concentrating
  • constant tiredness
  • dull hair
In addition, in connection with an iron deficiency, symptoms such as:
  • Shortness of breath that occurs with little exertion
  • pale skin and mucous membranes
  • palpitations
  • Restless Legs Syndrom
  • Attention disorders and hyperactivity in adolescents and children
  • Postpartum depression immediately after birth

Which people are prone to iron deficiency?

In addition to young people, older people in particular as well as patients with chronic diseases often tend to have iron deficiency.

Children and adolescents are often affected by iron deficiency

Young people in the growth phase in particular have an increased need for iron . For them, iron is very important for physical development such as that of the brain. Adequate iron requirements are normally met with a balanced diet.
However, if symptoms occur that manifest themselves in pale skin, exhaustion and difficulty concentrating, then parents should consider a possible iron deficiency.

What is the iron supply in seniors?

Older people very often tend to have poor appetites . Due to the little food, their meals are often one-sided. In addition, they like to avoid meat containing iron. Seniors often have problems with chewing. Because of this, they prefer soft foods that are easier to chew and swallow.
In addition, in old age there are often disorders that make iron absorption more difficult. These include diseases in the gastrointestinal area as well as chronic diseases such as diabetes, heart failure or kidney failure. Medications that are taken help to inhibit the formation of acid in the stomach. This makes it difficult for iron to be absorbed. Iron deficiency begins insidiously and is accompanied by consequences for the human body and various symptoms.

Iron deficiency in people with chronic diseases

Chronic diseases, for example chronic ones
  • heart diseases
  • Gastrointestinal disorders, such as Crohn’s disease or ulcerative colitis
  • Kidney dysfunction as well
  • various cancers
can lead to iron deficiency. In doing so, chronic diseases in particular minimize the effects in the organism
inflammatory course, the ability to absorb iron in the intestine. Inflammation in the gastrointestinal tract affects the intestinal mucosa. This results in limited iron absorption. Because patients with chronic diseases are already restricted in their quality of life, an undersupply of the trace element iron puts an additional burden on them. In relation to this, the elimination of iron deficiency represents an improved quality of life. In addition, accompanying symptoms can be alleviated as a result.

Who else is prone to iron deficiency?

Patients can also suffer from severe blood loss after an operation, such as in the knee or hip joint. Clinical studies have shown that patients with depleted iron stores or anemia after such surgical procedures have an increased risk of having to stay in hospital longer than usual afterwards. However, this can also increase the need for blood supplies. At the same time, poorer surgical results or a delayed recovery can be the consequences. Therefore, it is advisable to try to have a full iron store early on. One month before the start of the operation is ideal.

Anyone who donates blood at regular intervals also loses iron. If blood donations are repeated frequently, this can lead to iron deficiency.

Crystal Waston MD

Crystal Waston has a degree in Cross Media Production and Publishing. At vital.de she gives everyday tips and deals with topics related to women's health, sport, and nutrition.

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