07/20/2025
Iron Deficiency Anemia (IDA) occurs when your body doesn’t have enough iron to produce adequate hemoglobin — the oxygen-carrying part of red blood cells.
The body will make every effort to keep the brain and the heart going, starving the limbs of iron rich blood, this might make the extremities feel cold and numb. Pull down the lower eye lid and check to see if it's a nice pink color or if it looks pale. Another quick and easy sign is to look at the creases on the palm of the hand. They should be pink.
Without enough iron, your body is literally starved of oxygen. The result? Fatigue, heart racing, shortness of breath, dizziness, and headaches. Depression can be an issue from low iron: the brain needs iron to produce dopamine and serotonin.
The fingernails can develop a spoon shape to the point that it can hold a drop of water without rolling off. One can crave strange nonfoods such as dirt, caulk, metal, and a strong desire to crunch on ice. The tongue can become smooth as opposed to having the bumps on it. This might create a burning sensation or make it so that food doesn't taste right. On the mouth, one might have cracks at the corner of the mouth, this can also be a sign of B vitamin deficiency.
One might experience itchy skin; low iron alters nerve sensitivity.
Hair thinning and dark circles under the eyes are also signs of low iron. Restless Leg syndrome: 60% of people with this condition improve with iron supplements.
Skin infections like ringworm can be due to low iron.
Primary Causes Include:
Poor dietary intake (common in vegetarians/vegans)
Heavy menstrual bleeding
Gastrointestinal issues (ulcers, IBD, celiac disease)
Pregnancy
Chronic blood loss (e.g. internal bleeding, frequent blood donation)
Vitamin C can boost iron absorption. Use good old cast iron skillets, as they release iron into the food being prepared, especially tomato-based foods. Avoid taking iron supplements with calcium, tea and coffee as they block iron absorption.
If you or a loved one are experiencing the signs of iron deficiency, call the office so we can get you on the right track to better health.
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