Shortness of breath
When your hemoglobin levels are low, so are your oxygen levels. This means that your body won’t receive enough oxygen to carry out everyday activities like walking. Because of this, your breathing rate will increase as your body attempts to get more oxygen which leads to shortness of breath.
Pica
Pica is a craving for non-food items like sand, chalk, dirt, and ice which is sometimes seen in those with an iron deficiency. This is often the case with women who are pregnant.
Hair loss
Low iron levels, in more severe cases, can cause your hair to fall out. When your hair follicles are not getting enough oxygen, they can become dry and weak. On average, we typically lose about 100 strands of hair a day, but if you are losing an excessive amount of hair, this can be directly linked to an iron deficiency. This is another common symptom often experienced by women who are pregnant.
If any of these symptoms apply to you and you think you might have an iron deficiency, your health care provider can suggest ways to increase your iron levels. This can be through dietary supplements or iron-rich foods.
