Are You Iron Deficient? Don't Ignore These 5 Overlooked Warning Signs Or Beyond Fatigue: Spotting the 5 Silent Signs of Iron Deficiency You Might Be Missing

Iron deficiency is a leading nutritional disorder, which affects millions of people throughout the world. The human body requires iron to produce hemoglobin, which functions as the oxygen-carrying substance in red blood cells. The human body requires iron to function properly, because insufficient amounts lead to many health issues. People who suffer from iron deficiency, experience various symptoms beyond typical fatigue and pale skin, because these signs often remain unnoticed. Early detection of these concealed symptoms enables people to improve their iron intake, and live a healthier life. Take a look...

The body needs iron to maintain healthy muscles and tissues, throughout the mouth and tongue area. The tongue develops swelling and becomes smooth, or displays abnormal redness when iron levels drop in the body. The medical term for this condition is glossitis. People who experience eating discomfort, together with taste alterations, might also develop soreness in their mouth. The tongue muscles require sufficient oxygen to stay healthy, so they become the first signs of low iron levels. A person should get their blood tested for iron deficiency, when their tongue shows unusual changes or pain without any apparent reason.

The craving of non-food items such as ice, dirt, clay and paper, constitutes an unusual, yet significant indicator of iron deficiency known as pica. The most prevalent form of this condition leads people to seek ice, which they call pagophagia. Scientists have not identified the exact reason behind iron deficiency leading to pica, but they believe ice chewing might create temporary alertness in people with low iron levels. A person who experiences pica should seek medical evaluation, because their iron deficiency is severe and eating dangerous substances could result in harm.

The medical condition Restless Leg Syndrome causes people to experience uncontrollable movements in their legs, which become most active during nighttime hours. The inability to fall asleep and maintain sleep, causes daytime fatigue to become more pronounced. Research indicates that brain iron deficiency disrupts dopamine function, which controls movement leading to RLS symptoms. People with iron deficiency tend to experience more severe RLS symptoms, while taking iron supplements can help reduce their symptoms. People who experience painful leg movements and sleep disturbances, should get their iron levels checked because it might be the cause.

Iron deficiency creates small changes that affect both hair, and nail health. This occurs because the body directs oxygen delivery to essential organs first when it runs out of iron, thus neglecting hair follicles and nails. Hair becomes thinner and falls out excessively, while its growth pattern becomes irregular. The nails become weak and thin while developing a spoon-like shape, which medical professionals call koilonychia. The body shows these symptoms which seem unimportant, yet point to insufficient iron storage. The combination of hair and nail changes with other symptoms, enables doctors to detect iron deficiency at an early stage.

Unusual ear noises which produce ringing or turbulent sounds, can signal iron deficiency. The insufficient oxygen delivery from iron deficiency anemia, creates problems with ear function. This occurs because the blood flow near the ears becomes altered by low iron levels, which results in faster blood movement, buzzing or whooshing sounds (known as tinnitus), that represent an uncommon symptom of iron deficiency. People who experience unexplained ear sounds, should get their iron levels checked as part of their medical assessment.