KOMPAS.com – Iron is one of the essential minerals for the body.
When it is short iron, the body cannot produce oxygen-carrying red blood cells optimally.
In the medical world, conditions lack of iron this is known as iron deficiency anemia.
Also read: What is Iron?
Launch Eat Right, function of iron among others:
- Helps transport oxygen throughout the body
- Supports brain function and endurance
- Keeps cells, skin, hair and nails healthy
Given the important function of this mineral for the body, identify a variety a sign of iron deficiency to watch out for:
1. Severe fatigue
Launch Healthline, the characteristics of the body being deficient in iron, namely the body feels very tired until it is difficult to concentrate
This extreme fatigue can occur because the body is deprived of oxygen. This is influenced by the production of hemoglobin protein which is inhibited due to lack of iron.
Without adequate hemoglobin, the oxygen circulating in the tissues and muscles of the body also decreases.
In addition, the heart is also forced to work harder to move oxygen-rich blood throughout the body. It can also cause fatigue.
Also read: 8 iron-boosting foods
2. Pale skin
Pale skin especially on the inside of the lower eyelid can also be a sign of iron deficiency.
Hemoglobin in red blood cells can give blood its red color. Thus, people who are deficient in iron, their blood color tends not to be too red.
Besides on the inside of the lower eyelid, pale skin in iron deficient people can be seen on the face, gums, and lips.
3. Shortness of breath
Hemoglobin allows red blood cells to carry oxygen throughout the body, when hemoglobin levels are low due to iron deficiency, the muscles are deprived of oxygen for activities.
As a result, the respiratory rate increases as the body tries to get more oxygen. Inevitably, many people have shortness of breath when they are deprived of oxygen.
4. Headache and dizziness
Headaches and dizziness can be symptoms of a lack of oxygen, especially in women.
Headaches can occur because the brain is deprived of oxygen due to low hemoglobin levels.
This causes the blood vessels in the brain to swell, compress, and trigger headaches.
Also read: Fruit Containing Iron
5. Heart palpitations
Iron deficiency can be characterized by heart palpitations. This is influenced by the lack of oxygen supply to the body.
Lack of iron low hemoglobin levels and reduced oxygen transported throughout the body.
It causes a fast heart rate. If not treated immediately, this condition can cause the heart to swell up to heart failure.
6. Dry and damaged hair and skin
A sign of iron deficiency others are seen in dry, damaged hair and skin.
Iron supports hair growth and skin cell regeneration. Without adequate intake, hair falls out easily and skin becomes dry.
7. Swollen or painful tongue and mouth
Symptoms of iron deficiency are also monitored around the mouth. A swollen, inflamed, pale, or smooth tongue can indicate iron deficiency.
In addition, other symptoms can include dry mouth, a burning sensation in the mouth, painful red cracks at the corners of the mouth, and the appearance of mouth sores.
8. Restless legs
Iron deficiency is linked to restless leg syndrome. It is characterized by the desire to constantly move the legs when there is no activity or rest.
Restless legs are usually worse at night, often making it difficult for sufferers to sleep.
9. Brittle nails
Iron deficiency is also characterized by nails, which tend to brittle or crack easily.
Once nails become brittle, an iron deficient person may develop a spoon-like shape, in which the center of the nail swoops while the tip is raised like a spoon.
Also read: Recognize the Uses of Iron for Women Who Are Menstruating
10. Other signs
In addition to the above signs of iron deficiency, people who are deficient in this important mineral also sometimes have cravings or want to eat something strange. For example eating soil, ice cubes, paper, etc.
In other cases, people who are deficient in iron can develop depression, get cold hands and feet easily, and are more prone to infection.
To determine whether someone is deficient in iron or not, do a health check if you feel the signs above.
Also read: 7 Signs Your Body Is Lack of Vitamin B12
Daily iron requirements can vary; depending on age, gender, and health conditions.
Infants and toddlers need more iron than adults. The reason is, their bodies are in their infancy.
Stepping on adolescence, women’s iron needs increase because they have menstruation every month.
Certain health conditions such as pregnant and breastfeeding women, vegans, people with indigestion, acid reflux disease, kidney disease, and people who do intense exercise need more iron.
Make sure your daily iron needs are met. You do this by eating iron-boosting foods that are high in animal protein and vegetable protein.
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