It is important to be aware of the common signs of vitamin deficiencies. Here are 5 major signs that you may be low in iron as well as how to fix this problem.
Whenever your body is running low on iron, it can manifest itself in different ways and eventually lead to a medical condition known as anemia. There are various causes for low levels of iron, including vitamin deficiencies. Keep on reading to learn the five common signs you may be low on iron and what you can do to improve it.
- Constantly Tired
In order to produce enough hemoglobin, which is found within your red blood cells, your body needs iron. Its duty is to carry oxygen throughout your body, and without sufficient oxygen, your energy levels drop. That’s why a major sign of low iron is tiredness or fatigue.
- Pale Skin
The hemoglobin located in your red blood cells is what helps give your blood that vibrant, red color. Low levels of hemoglobin make your blood less red and cause you to have a pale skin color. The paleness can appear on your face, gums, nails, lower eyelids, and the inside of your lips.
- Damaged Skin or Hair
When your skin and hair cells don’t get enough oxygen, they become dry, weak, and brittle. In fact, hair loss and iron deficiency are linked together. It’s normal for hair to fall out, but if you’re losing more amount than normal, it might be a sign that you’re low on iron.
- Restless Legs
Restless leg syndrome is a condition where you have the strong and frustrating urge to constantly move your legs when resting. As a result, you might get itching, crawling, or other unpleasant sensations. Even though the causes of this condition are not fully understood yet, experts have noticed a relationship between restless legs and iron deficiency.
- Out of Breath
When your body runs low on oxygen due to the insufficient amount of hemoglobin, your muscles take a toll. They won’t receive the oxygen they need, and therefore, performing normal, basic activities, such as walking, will give you shortness of breath.
Possible Cause—Vitamin Deficiencies
If you are low on iron, it’s mostly because you have a deficiency of other nutrients and vitamins other than iron. For example, if your diet doesn’t include enough vitamin B-12 or B-9, it can lead to iron deficiency. Or, perhaps your body is having a hard time absorbing these vitamins.
Possible Cause—Blood Loss
If you lose heavy amounts of blood, such as due to heavy and irregular periods, you lose lots of iron, leading to iron deficiency. You can even have chronic blood loss due to colorectal cancer, a colon polyp, or peptic ulcer.
Increase Your Iron Intake
The best way to help raise your iron levels is to include more of it into your diet. Foods such as seafood, beans, red meat, poultry, dried fruit, and peas all contain lots of iron. You also want to include foods with high levels of vitamin C to help your body with the absorption of iron.
You could even include supplements if you think you’re unable to consume certain foods. Vitamin C and iron supplements from Vitabiotics can easily be taken before or during your meals.
When to Seek a Doctor
If you continue to suspect you have vitamin deficiencies and low levels of iron despite all your efforts, it might be time to reach out to a healthcare professional. Sometimes low iron can be a symptom of an underlying cause that should be treated. Otherwise, following these tips can help you improve your iron deficiency.
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