What are the symptoms of lack of iron?

What are the symptoms of lack of iron?

The bottom line Common signs and symptoms include fatigue, skin that is paler than usual, feeling short of breath, and dry and damaged hair and skin. If you think you have symptoms of iron deficiency, talk with a doctor.

What damage can iron deficiency cause?

In iron deficiency, low levels of hemoglobin mean the heart has to work extra hard to carry oxygen. This may lead to irregular heartbeats or the feeling that your heart is beating abnormally fast. In extreme cases, it can lead to an enlarged heart, a heart murmur, or heart failure ( 12 , 13 ).

Are eggs full of iron?

According to the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA), in addition to some non-heme iron, lots of animal proteins have heme iron, including ground beef (4 ounces of 93 percent lean ground meat provides 2.63 mg, meaning it’s a good source), eggs (1.68 mg in two large eggs), turkey (1.23 mg per 3 ounces of dark-meat …

Can low iron affect your eyesight?

Iron is a necessary mineral for many of the body’s functions, including vision.

What breakfast food has the most iron?

Major ​nonheme sources​ of iron are:

• Beans, such as navy or lima, and lentils.
• Instant oatmeal.
• Enriched cereals, such as raisin bran.
• Whole-wheat bread.
• Tofu.
• Spinach.
• Peanut butter.

What are the symptoms of too much iron in the body?

Symptoms of Too Much Iron in Blood. Symptoms of too much iron in blood are vague, subtle and can go unnoted. Worse, they are easily attributed to other diseases, condition, and nutrition of the individual. Early iron overload symptoms include. Tiredness. Darkening of the skin (bronzing) Low libido. Weakness.

What happens if you take too much iron?

Excessive iron can be damaging to the gastrointestinal system. Symptoms of iron toxicity include nausea, vomiting, diarrhea and stomach pain. Over time, iron can accumulate in the organs, and cause fatal damage to the liver or brain.

What are the symptoms of an iron overdose?

Serious iron poisoning usually causes symptoms within 6 hours of the overdose. The symptoms of iron poisoning typically occur in 5 stages: Stage 1 (within 6 hours after the overdose): Symptoms include vomiting, vomiting blood, diarrhea, abdominal pain, irritability, and drowsiness.

What causes iron overload?

Iron overload. Iron overload indicates accumulation of iron in the body from any cause. The most important causes are hereditary haemochromatosis (HHC), a genetic disorder, and transfusional iron overload, which can result from repeated blood transfusions.