In order to develop an iron deficiency, you must eat a diet low in iron for a while. This is because iron accumulates in the body, so even if you don't eat it daily, you should still be fine as long as you consume iron-rich foods regularly. Good sources of iron include all types of meats, such as chicken, turkey, beef and liver. Vegetable sources of iron, known as nonheme iron, include fortified cereal, soybeans, lentils and beans. However, nonheme iron is not as well absorbed as heme or meat-based iron.
Weak Immune System
Iron deficiency anemia weakens your immune system, making you more susceptible to disease and infections. As your body gets weak, the health of your nails will suffer and they're likely to become brittle. You might also suffer from inflammation or sores in your tongue and mouth.
Pica
People with iron deficiencies sometimes develop something known as pica. Pica is the desire to eat non-food items, such as chalk, paper, clay or soil. Pica is not well-understood and professionals cannot exactly pinpoint why some people develop it and others don't. According to "The Journal of the American Board of Family Practice," pica commonly indicates an iron deficiency but can also be a sign of other mineral deficiencies.
Weakness
One of the most common signs of anemia is feeling tired. The more serious the anemia is, the more intense the fatigue. Fatigue can manifest in both physical and mental form. People who have anemia are often tired even after sleeping long periods of time. They also feel exhausted in the middle of the day. Mental fatigue shows in the form of difficulty concentrating, decreased performance at school or work, poor memory and learning problems.
Other Symptoms
Different people experience different symptoms when suffering from iron deficiency. Some people suffer an irregular heartbeat or shortness of breath, while others have more external symptoms, such as pale skin and cold hands and feet. Poor appetite is also a sign of anemia. Because the signs of iron deficiency are so many, it's important that you talk to your doctor if you experience symptoms you can't identify, as they can be related to low iron.
References
- Office of Dietary Supplements: Iron: What is it?
- MedLine Plus: Iron
- National Anemia Action Council: A Patient's Guide to Oral Iron Supplements
- MayoClinic.com: Iron Deficiency
- "The Journal of the American Board of Family Practice"; Pica: Common But Commonly Missed; Rose EA, Porcerelli JH, Neale AV.; September-October 2000
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