Iron is one of the most vital minerals in the body. It can be found in every cell and it serves several important functions. It is responsible for creating hemoglobin, a protein within the red blood cells that allows them to transport oxygen from the lungs to the rest of the body. If your iron levels are low, your body cannot produce enough red blood cells to carry oxygen throughout the rest of the body, a condition known as iron-deficiency anemia.
Iron deficiency is a widespread problem that affects millions of people around the world. There are several factors that can contribute to this condition, including eating a diet that is low in iron, blood loss as a result of certain medical conditions, and inflammatory bowel disease.
Whatever the reason, iron deficiency can cause several symptoms that can impact your health and overall quality of life. Below are 12 common symptoms.
1. Excessive fatigue
It’s not unusual to feel tired from time to time; however, if you find that you are experiencing extreme fatigue, no matter how much sleep you get, it could be a sign of iron deficiency. In fact, fatigue is one of the most common symptoms of iron deficiency. The reason? – The body needs iron in order to create hemoglobin, a protein that is found in the red blood cells.
This protein helps to transport oxygen from the lungs to the rest of the body. If you aren’t getting enough iron, your body can’t produce enough hemoglobin, which means that sufficient amounts of oxygen cannot be carried to the rest of the body. As a result, the tissues, muscles, and vital organs in the body are deprived of oxygen, which can make you feel excessively tired. Fatigue is a telltale sign of iron deficiency.
