Multiple factors may confound the analysis of the prevalence of anemia and include the presence or absence of recent infections, obesity, menstrual dysfunction, and dietary behaviors. Perhaps regular ongoing access to health care services rather than income criteria would be a more useful demographic variable for tracking outcomes. Anemia itself may not be the most important outcome measure when assessing for nutritional deficiencies.
For example, in ID states, anemia is the last finding to appear and the first to clear with therapy. Early termination of iron replacement therapy is a common reason for persistent ID and recurrent IDA. Regardless of the epidemiologic challenges, this study and other recent reports using the NHANES data set highlight important remaining problems and questions.
For certain groups—Hispanics Although the prevalence of IDA remains low, the persistence of the iron-deficient state is probably more important. The potential for adverse effects associated with ID remain until the tissue stores are replenished. Clearly, public health programs, such as WIC, have helped improve nutrition for women and children. However, continued access to health care, comprehensive follow-up, and compliance with care among high-risk populations may be as important for the improvement of these statistics 6.
Cusick et al have set the stage for the need for further cohort studies to address additional variables affecting the prevalence of anemia, alternative measures for recognizing and managing ID, and new public health strategies to help manage those patient cohorts who are most vulnerable.
Geneva, Switzerland : World Health Organization , Google Scholar. Google Preview. Stoltzfus RJ Iron deficiency: global prevalence and consequences. Food Nutr Bull ; 24 4suppl : S99 — Unexplained decline in the prevalence of anemia among US children and women between — and — Am J Clin Nutr ; 88 : — 7. Arch Pediatr Adolesc Med ; : — See corresponding article on page Oxford University Press is a department of the University of Oxford. It furthers the University's objective of excellence in research, scholarship, and education by publishing worldwide.
Without enough hemoglobin, less oxygen reaches your tissues and muscles, depriving them of energy. Your heart also has to work harder to move more oxygen-rich blood around your body, which can make you tired 2. Since tiredness is often considered a normal part of a busy, modern life, it can be difficult to diagnose iron deficiency with this symptom alone. However, it is possible for some people with iron deficiency to experience low energy alongside weakness , irritability, or difficulty concentrating 4.
Fatigue is one of the most common symptoms of iron deficiency. This is due to less oxygen reaching body tissues, depriving them of energy. Skin that is paler than usual and pale coloring of the inside of the lower eyelids are other common symptoms of iron deficiency 5 , 6. The hemoglobin in red blood cells gives blood its red color, so low levels during iron deficiency make the blood less red. A study in children ages 6 to 11 found that paleness associated with iron deficiency may appear all over the body or be limited to one area, such as the 7 :.
This is often one of the first things doctors will look for as a sign of iron deficiency. However, it should be confirmed with a blood test 6. Paleness is more commonly seen in moderate or severe cases of anemia 7. If you pull your lower eyelid down, the inside layer should be a vibrant red color.
If it is a very pale pink or yellow color, this may indicate that you have iron deficiency. In people with darker skin tones, this may be the only area where it is noticeable. Skin that is paler than usual in areas such as the face, lower inner eyelids, or nails may be a sign of moderate or severe iron deficiency. This is caused by lower levels of hemoglobin, which gives blood its red color.
When hemoglobin levels are low during iron deficiency, oxygen levels will also be low. As a result, your breathing rate will increase as your body tries to get more oxygen. This is why shortness of breath is a common symptom 2. If you find yourself out of breath when doing normal, daily tasks that you used to find easy, such as walking, climbing stairs, or working out, iron deficiency could be to blame.
Shortness of breath is a symptom of iron deficiency, since low hemoglobin levels mean your body cannot effectively transport oxygen to your muscles and tissues. Iron deficiency may cause headaches , particularly in women 5 , 9. While the link between iron deficiency and headaches is still unclear, researchers theorize there are several factors at play, including the relationship between altered dopamine function and estrogen levels.
However, more research needs to be done before a conclusion can be made Although there are many causes of headaches, frequent, recurrent headaches could be a symptom of iron deficiency. Headaches can be a symptom of iron deficiency. More research is being done to look at the connection between dopamine dysfunction, estrogen levels, and iron deficiency. Noticeable heartbeats, also known as heart palpitations , can be another symptom of iron deficiency anemia.
The association between iron deficiency, anemia, and heart problems is still being studied, but it may be related to oxygen supply Hemoglobin is the protein in red blood cells that helps transport oxygen around the body. In iron deficiency, low levels of hemoglobin mean the heart has to work extra hard to carry oxygen. In extreme cases, it can lead to an enlarged heart , a heart murmur , or heart failure 12 , In cases of iron deficiency, the heart has to work extra hard to transport oxygen around the body.
If left untreated, this can lead to irregular or fast heartbeats and even heart murmurs, an enlarged heart, or heart failure. Dry and damaged skin and hair can be signs of iron deficiency Iron deficiency lowers the level of hemoglobin in the blood, which may reduce the amount of oxygen available to cells that cause hair growth Iron deficiency is also associated with hair loss , and some research suggests it could be a cause 16 , Skin and hair may receive less oxygen from the blood during iron deficiency, causing them to become dry and damaged.
In more severe cases, this may lead to hair loss. Sometimes just looking inside or around your mouth can indicate whether you have iron deficiency anemia. Aplastic anemia Iron deficiency anemia Sickle cell anemia Thalassemia Vitamin deficiency anemia. Request an Appointment at Mayo Clinic. Share on: Facebook Twitter. Show references Iron deficiency anemia. National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute. Accessed May 29, Anemia testing.
Lab Tests Online. Means RT, et al. Diagnostic approach to anemia in adults. American Society of Hematology. Mayo Clinic; Morrow ES Jr. Allscripts EPSi. Mayo Clinic. April 19, Your guide to anemia. Nutritional anaemias: Tools for effective prevention and control. World Health Organization. Mayo Clinic Press Check out these best-sellers and special offers on books and newsletters from Mayo Clinic.
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