Iron is an essential component of red blood cells, which are involved in the transport of oxygen to the body. Almost 2/3 of iron in the body is found in hemoglobin, according to the Office of Dietary Supplements. Hemoglobin is the oxygen carrying protein found in red blood cells. People with low iron levels in the body may experience changes in the color and shape of nails due to poor oxygenation of the nail beds.
Concave Shaped Thumbnails
Iron deficiency may cause thumbnails to appear concave-shaped, according to MedlinePlus. The nail bed may also be thin and have raised ridges. Patients with severe iron deficiency may develop a nail disease known as koilonychia. Koilonychia means spoon-shaped nails. Patients with koilonychia have thin thumbnails with raised edges that form the shape of a spoon.
Pale Thumb Nails
Patients with iron deficiency may also experience pale whitish nail beds due to low red blood cells in the body. Most patients with iron deficiency develop iron deficiency anemia due to low production of healthy red blood cells by the bone marrow. Hemoglobin is red in color and gives red blood cells their color. When there is low numbers of red blood cells in the blood, skin and nails appear pale.
Sources of Iron
Patients with spoon-shaped nails caused by iron deficiency should increase intake of iron-rich foods. The doctor may also prescribe iron supplements. Animal foods contain easily absorbable iron than plant foods, according to the Office of Dietary Supplements. Examples of iron-rich foods include beef liver, chicken liver, red meat, poultry, fish, beans, tofu, spinach, raisins and fortified breads and cereals. Patients should eat vitamin C rich foods at the same time with iron-rich foods because vitamin C helps the body absorb more iron from foods.
Iron Supplements
Iron supplements are useful in treating abnormal nail changes and other iron deficiency symptoms. Patients should take iron supplements together with food so as to avoid stomach irritation. Taking iron supplements with orange juice instead of water helps increase absorption of iron. Iron supplements should not be taken for longer than recommended so as to avoid iron overload. Patients taking iron supplements may experience side effects such as heartburn, constipation, dark stool and diarrhea.
Member Comments