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Signs & symptoms of Iron Deficiency: What to look out for

Fatigue1
Paleness1
Headaches1
Shortness of breath1
Hair loss2
Dizziness, irritability & loss of concentration1,3
Restless Leg Syndrome2,4
Ulcers in your mouth5
Brittle or spoon-shaped nails1,6
Cold intolerance7
Unusual cravings for non-food items, like ice or dirt1,8
Increased susceptibility to infection8
Sore tongue or dry mouth1,9
  1. Mayo Clinic. Iron deficiency anemia. 2016. [Online] [cited 2022 June 2]. Available from: URL: https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/iron-deficiency-anemia/symptoms-causes/syc-20355034?p=1.
  2. Stein J, Dignass A. Management of iron deficiency anemia in inflammatory bowel disease – a practical approach. Ann Gastroenterol 2013;26:104-113.
  3. Radlowski EC, Johnson RW. Perinatal iron deficiency and neurocognitive development. Front Hum Neurosci 2013;7(585):1-11.
  4. Sun ER, Chen CA, Ho G, Earley CJ, Allen RP. Iron and the restless legs syndrome. Sleep 1998;21(4): 381-387.
  5. Scully C, Schotts R. Mouth ulcers and other causes of orofacial soreness and pain. BMJ 2000;321:162-165.
  6. Cashman MW, Sloan SB. Nutrition and nail disease. Clin Dermatol 2010;28:420-425.
  7. DeLoughery T. Iron deficiency anemia. Medical Clinics of North America. 2017;101(2):319-332.
  8. Beard JL. Iron biology in immune function, muscle metabolism and neuronal functioning. J Nutr 2001;131:568S-580S.
  9. Wu YC, Wang YP, Chang JY, Cheng SJ, Chen HM, Sun A. Oral manifestations and blood profile in patients with iron deficiency anemia. J Formos Med Assoc 2014;113:83-87.