Iron is a crucial mineral that our bodies need for growth and development. Without enough of it, our bodies can’t produce enough hemoglobin which is a protein that enables your red blood cells to carry oxygen throughout the body. Therefore, if your body doesn’t have enough iron, your muscles and tissues won’t receive the oxygen that they need. This can lead to a condition called anemia.
Women who are in their childbearing years are at higher risk for iron deficiency due to the loss of blood during menstruation. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, the recommended daily dietary allowance for iron for most women aged 19 to 50 is 18 milligrams (mg), while men only need about 8 mg of iron per day.
Those who experience iron deficiencies can also be more prone to experiencing the unexpected signs that come with having insufficient iron levels. Here are seven signs that you may have an iron deficiency.
Extreme fatigue
Experiencing unusual tiredness is one of the most common signs of low iron levels. This happens in people with an iron deficiency because, as mentioned earlier, your body has a hard time carrying oxygen to your cells. This has a direct effect on your energy levels. You might feel weak, cranky, sluggish, or have a hard time focusing. This symptom by itself can be difficult to diagnose as an iron deficiency, so your best bet is to get your iron levels checked.
Pale skin
Pale skin is another common sign of insufficient iron. The substance hemoglobin that is found in red blood cells gives them their red color. When there is a lack of hemoglobin, blood is less red which can cause the skin to lose its color. This is more noticeable in those with lighter skin complexions, but if the area inside your bottom eyelid is lighter than usual, this is typically a dead giveaway.
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