Iron Deficiency - Symptoms, Causes, Treatment

Iron is of great importance in human nutrition. The adult human body contains between 3-4 g of iron, of which 60-70 percent is present in the blood (Hb iron) as circulating iron, and the rest (1 to 1.5 g) as storage iron. Each gram of hemoglobin contains about 3.34 mg of iron.

There are two forms of iron, haem-iron and non-haem iron. Haem iron is better absorbed than non-haem iron. Foods rich in haem-iron are liver, meat, poultry and fish. They are not only sources of readily available iron but they also promote the absorption of non-haem iron in plant foods eaten at the same time.

Iron is mostly absorbed from duodenum and upper small intestine in the ferrous state, according to body needs.

The rate of iron absorption is increased by many factors like iron reserves of the individual, the presence of inhibitors (e.g. phosphates) and promoters (e.g. ascorbic acid) of iron absorption and disorders of duodenum and jejunum.

Iron absorption is greater when there is an increased demand for iron, as for example during pregnancy.

The absorbed iron is transported as plasma ferritin and stored in liver, spleen, bone marrow and kidney. When red cells are broken down, the liberated iron is reutilized in the formation of new red cells.

The total daily iron loss of an adult is probably 1 mg and about 2 mg in menstruating women. Major routes of iron loss are:

Iron is mostly absorbed from duodenum and upper small intestine in the ferrous state, according to body needs.

Iron absorption is greater when there is an increased demand for iron, as for example during pregnancy.

Most of the iron is found in the red blood cells, where it forms part of that very complex protein known as hemoglobin. This is the red substance that gives color to the blood. It carries the oxygen to the tissues and keeps us alive.

Everyone knows that iron rusts when it is exposed to the air. Rusting is even more rapid when the air is damp. This chemical reaction is known as oxidation. A molecule of iron attaches itself to a molecule of oxygen from the air, forming iron oxide. This is exactly what happens when the red blood cells pass through the lungs. The air within the lungs is warm and damp, and the iron in the red cells actually rusts as it passes through the lung. All this happens with split second timing. From there the cells are carried by the blood stream to the heart, and then pumped to all the distant parts of the body, always carrying their load of oxygen.

Thus we see that iron is very important to the well being of all parts of the body. Most of the iron from the worn out cells is not discarded, but is separated from the hemoglobin in the liver and spleen and used over and over again. However a certain amount of iron may be lost from the body for various reasons such as bleeding hemorrhoids, injuries, menstruation, hookworm infestation or stomach ulcers.

Sometimes the level of the iron in the body may be lowered, owing to chronic blood loss or more probably to a poor diet. Iron may not be properly absorbed because the stomach is not producing sufficient hydrochloric acid. Sometimes this occurs during pregnancy.

Iron deficiency causes secondary anemia. The hemoglobin content of the red cells is diminished. The size and volume of the red cells are below average. There is normoblastic hyperplasia in the red bone marrow. Iron deficiency anemia occurs in children and adults due to severe blood loss.

Deficiency symptoms of iron

The patient usually complains of weakness, easy fatigue, and irritability. Other symptoms include heartburn, flatulence, vague abdominal pains, soreness in the mouth, numbness and tingling in the extremities, and palpitation of the heart. The skin and mucous membranes are pale, the nails are often brittle, and there are fissures or sores at the corners of the mouth.

The end result of iron deficiency is nutritional anemia, which is not a disease. It is rather a syndrome caused by malnutrition. Besides anemia there may be other functional disturbances such as impaired cell mediated immunity, reduced resistance to infection, increased morbidity and mortality and diminished work performance.

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Comments

stachard

SORE TONGUE AND SOE MOUTH FFOR 4 MOMNTHS NOW nO dR SEEMS TO NOW THE CAUSE.

#1 - gloria - 08/08/2007 - 03:29

I've been diagnosed with Iron Deficiency since I was an infant. I have just about all the symptoms above, but I've tried iron drops and they rotted my teeth when I was six. I also have a horrible memory and can't really focus. Most of the time, my mind feels cloudy. Does the forgetfullness and so forth have anything to do with the iron deficiency?

#2 - Valerie - 12/03/2007 - 14:44

I also have the above symptoms and crave ice to chew. I probably chew up to 10 cups of ice per day. Does this have anything to do with memory loss?

#3 - Pat - 12/15/2007 - 12:31

i was diagnosed with anemia also.......suppose to take iron caps but neglect it regularly.....symptoms include sore tongue, severe hair loss, shortness of breath, these are my main symptoms.....

#4 - theresa - 12/17/2007 - 14:20

I feel fatigue, sleepy and constantly feel cold in my hands and feet.

#5 - stephanie - 01/06/2008 - 21:19

I also have hair loss & shortness of breath, frequent headaches & poor blood circulation

#6 - Jazzy - 01/07/2008 - 22:27

I have a family history of severe anemia. Just recently, seemingly along with a complete change in my diet (new years resolution to eat better), I've had a rather painful, swollen part of my gums right between my two front teeth. I've also noticed small bumps in the back of my throat but they aren't sore or red and I don't have a fever. I'm often very tired and find it hard to breathe when I tried to start doing yoga. I have also experienced increased memory loss, but didn't think it was related.

#7 - jess - 01/14/2008 - 11:34

I get the sores in the corners of your mouth, hair loss, really tired alot but can't sleep... I have asthma, blood loss as a child...lot of heartburn...how can i get rrid of the sores in the corner of the mouth...they really hurt

#8 - Amy - 01/18/2008 - 00:16

I have just found out I am iron deficient and have been eating at least 1 cucumber a day for the last 5 years. I have also been extremely tired, irritable, heavy painful periods.

#9 - Kylie Campbell - 04/01/2008 - 23:21

My main symptoms are, bloating tummy, severe miagrains, sore eyes and blured vision, sleepyness, weakness, sore teeth, memory loss? Does the memory loss really do have something to do with iron deficiency? I never knew how sick it could make you.

#10 - lorelei - 04/21/2008 - 09:00

A friend of mine sent me this article on iron deficiency because I bruise real easily, any cuts or wounds do not heal properly, get infected quickly and leave nasty scars. I am constantly cold, especially in my hands and feet and fight major fatigue, borderlining narcolepsy when I get into work. I have not been diagnosed with Iron deficiency nor anemia. But some of these comments above seem to have my similar symptoms which explain that I just may be.

#11 - Stanzi - 05/12/2008 - 11:46

i have always tried to eat well, and to exersize, but have always had problems with iron-deficiency. i am a vegetarian now, which doesn't help for the "better" forms of iron. i have the fatigue and insomnia...and the pale skin, and brittle nails. And i shed really bad..usually in the spring...lol
But yeah...i would actually like to have a vegetarian substitute for the "iron sources" above in the article. i would also like to give blood more...but can't because of the constant deficiency. It sucks.

#12 - fae - 05/24/2008 - 20:27

I have been vegitarian for more than six years. My doctor told me that i have iorn deficiancy and gave me tablets but i wasn't conistant with it. i took the tablet for two weeks and stopped. Now it has been almost three years, i have headaches almost everyday. i feel light headed at times. i have sores on the corner of mouth; terrible memory and bad concentration. And also suffer from shortness of breath. i just want to know how serious that this get if it doesn't get treated

#13 - chichi - 06/06/2008 - 08:02

How to overcome with Iron deficiency?

#14 - MSR - 06/19/2008 - 13:05

Just self- diagnosed-from reading all these symptoms I think I am iron deficient. It runs in my family, unfortunately my mum suffered a heart attack due to severe anaemia. She is ok now but is now on iron tablets for the rest of her life. I feel constant fatigue and keep yawning, but can't sleep properly. Bloated grumbly tummy, headaches, sore swollen dry mouth & tongue and thirsty, pale blotchy skin and feel cold and tingly legs. The day after I had my daughter in hospital I almost collapsed and they diagnosed anemia, I couldn't get out of bed and I almost had to have a blood tranfusion, but luckily the tablets they gave me were enough.

#15 - Sarah - 06/26/2008 - 06:06

yeah i just recently stopped eating meat y try to eat healthy food but i have noticed some changes in my body, is there anything i can do to prevent the iron deficiency? i think mine is just begining.

#16 - Angie - 07/08/2008 - 16:44

Guys, think about it.
I have iron deficiency as well, so have most of your symptoms. Iron is the stuff that carries oxygen through your blood. If you don't have enough iron, you don't have enough oxygen, which means your muscles will fatigue earlier (as they need oxygen to work) and your memory won't work, as your brain does not get enough oxygen. Same with the heart - not enough O2 to work will make everything painful and exhausting. So get in there and pop those supplements!

#17 - Karin - 07/14/2008 - 20:35

I also am losing my hair, chew ice, fatigued. Low iron in blood probably is a result of losing blood internally. GI tract will be checked to see if ulcer is cause. I take 975 mg of iron daily. Docs help keep me informed of levels and possible treatments. Diet is so important, too. Drink lots of orange juice, too

#18 - CP - 08/20/2008 - 17:25

I am prone to iron deficiency too. Suplimental iron has to be bio-available to the body, most are not. Dr. Bob Marshall (google him) has some awesome info and solutions. One thing you might try is go to the health food store and find a high quality organic molassis (it's high in bio-available iron). The cost is usually around $5.00 for a big 'ol jar of the stuff. It's a distinct tast but I have grown to like it and it TOTALY gets rid of all my symptons and is safe enough to give to children. Any time I start to feel run down that is what I do and it works every time. Put it in tea or hot cerial or just mix a teaspoon in some warm water and down it, once or twice a day for a week or two. Grandma's cures seem to always work.

#19 - bobbie - 08/21/2008 - 02:28

The best way to tell if you have iron deficiency is to get blood ferritin levels measured. Standard "normal" range is 15-300 ng/ml. However, symptoms begin when this drops below 50-- optimal is probably around 70.

You can still have good red blood cell production (ie you are NOT anemic) and STILL BE IRON DEFICIENT.

Ferritin is the best way to tell.

Eat more red meat, high iron foods, and possibly take iron supplements. However, get the ferritin level measured first...

#20 - greg - 08/25/2008 - 08:02

Well, iron does a heck of a lot more than be part of hemoglobin. It also works in a huge number of enzymes that make everything from neurotransmitters to antioxidants. Low iron causes decrease in neurotransmitter production, as well as a lot of other stuff. These things have nothing to do with oxygen transport. In fact, you have have NORMAL hemoglobin and red blood cells, and still be iron deificient in the rest of your body. And still have symptoms.

Popping supplments is one option.

Quitting being a vegetarian and eating red meat is another.

#21 - Greg - 08/26/2008 - 02:31

My doctor told me that I have an iron and B-12 deficiency. I have been eating ice chips for about 2 years now. I actually crave ice! I have been very tired, depressed, have stomach issues, headaches, muscle pain and blurred vision. The doctor says I need to begin B-12 shots taken weekly and vitamins with iron daily.

#22 - Sue - 08/29/2008 - 09:52

I was diagnosed with iron defieciency about three years ago,when I was having really bad stomack pains,and I was throwing up all the time,I was also losing alot of hair,and gettting pale.They found out I was iron defiecient,they told me to take iron tablets for three months,I have not been keeping up with doc appointments because its expensive,but I also just found out that I have gastritus in the stomack,which they don't know what caused, Gastritus is where my stomack lining is bleeding,which makes my iron go down more,And iron tablets are hard on gastritus as well,any suggestions or comments,I'm also trying to have a baby,don't want to endanger the baby though.

#23 - Kristi - 09/07/2008 - 12:57

Okay folks here's the skinny - first off - for you veggies out there, if you are doing cereal try looking at labels - I found while pregers that Rice Krispies had a nice amount of iron to compliment me. Second - chard, spinach, strawberries, soy beans, nuts, leguems like lentils have iron. Thirdly for the asthmatics in the crowd:I have been an asthmatic since I was 6 years old, and when I was pregers I ended up anemeic - to the point where my asthma became moderatly sever. Now if you are having shortness of breath and your meds aren't doing it you need to get to your doctor ASAP - you can die from an asthma episode. Take your iron pills, and order a rare steak. You need protien (blood thickener) and iron (oxygen carrier in the blood cells). For the meat eaters: liver, duck, beef (do not cook it to shoe leather).

So if you are low, take your pills to restore your depleated stores, and then eat better. Hit the cereal and bread isles - look for the food with the highest iron and eat it.

Good luck and hang in there.

ps: for those with diminished memory, think about it - you're starving your brain of oxygen - what happens to a person drowning? They stop thinking clearly.

#24 - Cat - 09/11/2008 - 08:34

Having read the comments above I now believe that I am very much lacking iron. I am always tired, short of breath, feel upset at times and very depressed. Or maybe because I am 91 years old. Have a bit of arthritis but other than that I am very mobile - no canes, walk well,
good appetite, sleep OK - but feel weak, tired after a few
minutes of physical activity and DEPRESSED

#25 - Ed Brunanski - 09/26/2008 - 20:01

I was just diagnosed with anemia 2 months ago. I have been having heavy periods for about a year and was always tired, short of breath, hair loss, indigestion, insomnia etc. I am on iron tablets twice a day and have seen a big difference. I haven't had the indigestion. Have been sleeping better. Still tired but hoping that will improve. Can walk a distance and not get short of breath. My blood count was 6.2 and a normal count is 12 something. My doctor couldn't believe I was even functioning. Still working of the female issues but hoping to get that taken care of soon.

#26 - Jennifer - 10/23/2008 - 10:31

Yesterday I fainted in the Kroger grocery store. My left eye began to get blurry, and it was like I could not see the left side of things. Everything I read on the food labels, I couldn't see the left side, and then I felt light headed, and down I went. When I came to, I was weak, my left eye was sore. It was like I felt thrombosis of the head. I have had headaches all the time lately, particularly on my right temple. Last night, after the fainting, I felt feverish, and hot. This morning woke up, and the minute I got up, I felt light headed, and I felt shakey inside. Had to lay back down. I just took an iron supplement, and it seems to have helped the shakiness. Anybody had these same reactions? Heidi

#27 - Heidi - 10/27/2008 - 12:46

I would suggest that anyone with iron def. get checked for Celiac Disease. (This is when you can't digest gluten.) Iron is absorbed in the small intestine, and the small intestine with where Celiac Disease manifests. So, if you clean out your gut (by not eating gluten) you WILL then be able to absorb more iron. This is what happened to me. I had iron def. anemia my whole life and then finally found out I had Celiac disease. Also, in the beginning stages of not eating gluten, it's important not to also eat dairy because dairy will slow down the process of healing the inside of the small intestine. After a few years you can go on dairy again. Good luck!

#28 - Rebecca - 11/06/2008 - 10:16

I find all of your comments so helpful. I don't know if I have an iron deficiency or not, but I've had hairloss and I bruise easily. Some occasional fatigue. It's mainly the hairloss that is bothering me and I had a thyroid test and everything was normal. I will definitely get back to the Dr. Sometimes you just have to do the research yourself to get answers.

#29 - Julie Duke - 11/12/2008 - 19:34

I have a 13 year old who has many of the symptoms above. Over the last 2 years he has experienced depression and has anxiety. Could iron deficiency be the problem, and at what age can someone take iron supplements?

#30 - frugalmom - 11/14/2008 - 07:13

I have recently been diagonsed with low iron, would this be the reason why my stomach is always bloated and have IBS symptoms?

#31 - Christena - 11/25/2008 - 14:45

I've been a lacto ovo vegetarian all my adult life. Now in my 40s and going through "the changes," we ladies face in our more mature years, I am finally getting wise and starting myself on a healthy regimine of Liquid Iron by Natrol 2-3 times a day, Bragg's Liquid Aminos 2-3 times a day, and Country Life L-Carnitine 500mg 2-3 times a day. As I've grown older, and being practically a lifelong vegetarian, I developed severe fatigue in my 20s, but it's taken me that leap into my 40s where my fatigue is to the point that I just can't function at anything anymore and my asthma has worsened (gee no oxygen from iron and such!) and my muscles get severe cramps, not to mention the arthritic feeling I never had to such a degree. I am looking forward to getting rid of all this stuff and being able to see clearly as I just had an eye exam and have great vision - I'm just dizzy! lol not funny really, but the blurriness is terrible and I just know it's my diet. While I'm not going to eat meat ever, I will diligently take my supplements from here on out - I may even try that suggestion mentioned earlier about organic molasses too! Best of luck to all - hope some of my comments and supplement suggestions help you get your health back as I get mine back too.

#32 - Val - 12/02/2008 - 22:21

WOW!!! I have ALL of these symptoms! The numbness finally got me to the doctor and when I started listing off my symptoms she clued in and ordered an in depth bloodwork. Sure enough, iron defficient. We have just started treatment, but I am feeling better already. After reading this site, I am relieved to know I am not just crazy or a hypochondriac!!! Thank you!!!!!!!

#33 - Carol - 12/08/2008 - 09:43

I HAVE BEEN ANEMIC SINCE I WAS A KID , I HAVE BEEN HAVING ALL OF THE SAME SYMPTOMS AND RECENTLY DIAGNOSED WITH IBS. COULD THE IBS AND ANEMIA BE RELATED.

#34 - PAMELIA - 12/10/2008 - 20:45

I have had anemia for many years. One way I can always tell if it is getting low...Anxiety....as well as fatique, pain when breathing.etc...
anyone else get anxiety??

#35 - Kari - 12/16/2008 - 20:24

All of these comments almost made me cry.. I did some research after having a conversation with my girlfriend today about my hair and what to do with it, my increased hair loss has been an issue with me as far as how to choose a style (it's vain I know, but whatever propels one to get help should be good enough I guess). After she realized the connection with some of my symptoms that she is well aware of, she suggested I read a bit about it just in case.

I've been going to the doctor repeatedly trying to figure out what the eff is wrong with my body. I was diagnosed with anemia while pregnant with my son in 2002, but only kept up with my supplements for about a year after he was born. For the last four years I have had fatigue, memory loss, bruising, brittle nails, ingrown toenails, very dark circles under my eyes (real dark circles, the kind that look like I've been punched in the face every morning), pain throughout my entire body, tingling in my arms and legs.. and over the last year I have encountered hair loss (including my damn eyelashes), sores on the corners of my mouth, heart palpitations (scary), dizzy spells, trouble sleeping even when exhausted (I have never in my life had such a hard time falling asleep, it is a stupid problem to have), extreme irritability, and further increased fatigue. I started taking iron supplements again a few weeks ago because I started bruising quite a bit, and it took away the sores on my mouth in almost 2 weeks. I didn't realize until reading this that the low iron caused them, I never knew where they came from... but they sure went away with the supplements! After that happening twice this year (and staying for months at a time), I do not want to see them come back!

I am not happy about my doctor, after almost ten visits this year, she has never taken my past diagnosis of anemia into consideration, even after I have brought it up. How is that possible even after bloodwork? Is she just not testing for it even after I have told her about all of my symptoms? I think it's time to get a new physician.

Such a simple yet important ingredient in our nutrition, I am angry with myself for not keeping up with my supplements. I've been in pain and frustration for years, and it really has made me feel aged (I'm only 25, but my body feels more like 65). My New Year's Resolution is going to take control of my nutrition - and to get a new doctor.

Thank you for sharing your experiences!

#36 - Patty - 01/03/2009 - 18:46

I have suspicions that I need an iron supplement, since within this past year I feel the compulsion all the time to crunch ice. I have had depression and indigestion for several years. Now after reading all these comments, I am hoping that taking an iron supplement will help me with several things I have problems with.

#37 - Barbara - 01/05/2009 - 10:51

Hey. I think I'm low in iron because I have pretty much all the symptoms and I have my period. I started noticing it after I went on a hike and it makes sense because you lose iron in excess sweating. I've been feeling very lethargic and fatigued. A couple of days ago I noticed I had chapped lips and sores at the corners of my mouth, this has gotten worse and I'm really suffering. Usually I'm completely healthy but I've always feared I may have an iron deficiency especially nowadays since I'm forgetting to eat my spinach everyday.

#38 - Featherz - 01/15/2009 - 15:12

I just recently found out I am iron deficient, i feel weak and constantly tired If I didnt have to go to school I'd be sleeping for weeks on end. I'm only 16, I tried iron supplements but they made me sicker than a dog, so i stopped taking them. I have extremely heavy periods and they keep putting me on different kinds of birth control to stop the bleeding. Over the past couple years though I have been forgetting TONS of stuff even what happened like last night, Is this part of iron deficiency or something different, I've looked on healthline.com and added my symptoms but all it comes up to is PMS. which..I couldn't possibly have..I've also been looking up Neurologists in hope that if I call they can tell me either it's something they can help me with or.. just nothing at all.
If anyone else feels like this, i know how you feel and it SUCKS!
Im happy I found something about other people who have the same thing as I do, and post stuff about how they feel it makes me feel normal to know im not the only one suffering with all this B.s.

#39 - Candace - 01/18/2009 - 17:09

WOW. After reading all the comments I actually feel better about my iron deficiency!! - in the fact that I don't feel alone. Noone understands the exhaustion, tingling, palpatations and anxiety. Bit like pain - because people can't see it - they don't care and think you should get over it. Thanks everyone. I feel like I fit somewhere now :)

#40 - Janette - 01/20/2009 - 06:49

FOR PAST 6 MONTHS IS HAVE THOUGHT I HAD CONJESTIVE HEART FAILURE DUE TO SHORTNESS OF BREATH, AND FATIGUE WITH MILD EXERCISE, DRY MOUTH. DR JUST DIAGNOSED SEVERE ANEMIA AND PUT ME ON IRON TABLETS. AND SINCE I AM 70 HE IS SENDING ME FOR UPPER AND LOWER GI TO SEE IF I AM LOSING BLOOD. " I FEEL BETTER ALREADY AND HAVE ONLY BEEN TAKING IRON PILLS FOR ABT 10 DAYS

#41 - LORRAINE - 01/25/2009 - 14:14

Its really nice to find a place here that has some experience and understanding...
I am 5 weeks pregnancy...I have had the tingling legs and arms...feet extremely cold. I woke up this morning with blue lips and a cold sore... I haven't had a cold sore in a few years...
I thought I had gestational diabetes...just by these symptoms...I have had anemia in previous pregnancies...but not like this. I am on iron therapy now...but how do you fight the constipation symptoms?

#42 - Melissa :) - 01/28/2009 - 00:55

after reading all of these comments it is astounding as to how many problems being IDA can cause. i have had all of them and more. for the past 14 months NUMEROUS doctors have been telling me that i have been having inner ear infections but without taking a blood test or having any proof that it was that because i get dizzy, nauseous, fatigued to the point where i cant get up to get my son a drink, hair loss, pain in my abdomen (similar to mild period pain), intense headaches, occasional migraines, extremely weak, sometime double or blurred vision, shaking, ears ringing, confusion, numbness and tingling in my arms and legs and anxiety. it has only been today that i have been told that i am IDA and will probably have to have daily iron injections if the tabs dont work, although they have started on the tabs cause im a bit of a whuss when it comes to needles! i have been living with this for so long and it is really horrible. hopefully the tabs work and it all gets sorted out. thanks to all who have posted their problems... it makes it a little easier to settle down and stop worrying. im told to take the supps with a big glass of premium orange juice and to order steaks rare. im ok with the supps and OJ but i might have to go med-rare on the steak.

#43 - Krystle - 01/29/2009 - 03:11

Just a lil heads up to everyone with iron and B12 problems. Seems like a problem that is no big deal and you can take pills when you feel like it. NOT.....My daughter ended up hospitalized for 7 days, blood tranfusion, couldnt even pick her head up off the pillow for first 4 days.Pounding headaches that would not go away. If you have this problem, PLease take you suppliments. My daughter almost died. I am hoping that our Doctors will educate patients on the importance of iron in your body. So many are of us are anemic, but we are not educated on what could happen if we dont take our iron and eat right.
Good Luck

#44 - sissy - 01/31/2009 - 07:37

i experience almost all the symptoms mentioned above . the sores on the corners of my mouth hence making me just have a loss of appetite ..i eat sand/stones because i crave for tht bt have recently discovered i have bad abdominal pains, ive also lost weight

#45 - tina - 02/02/2009 - 08:11

i have had low iron since i was a kid, but was never told by any doctor to take supplements. just "eat better." what does that mean? Well, last april, I switched shampoos and my head broke out. Then, my thick, long, natural curly hair started falling out in clumps. I searched the internet looking for answers, mostly finding stuff on thyroid disease. I knew I did not want to take thyroid meds the rest of my life, and some of those systems did not connect. Anyway, I finally stumbled upon low iron and immediately thought, "that must be it." My hair had almost completely fallen out ALL over my body (this is where thyroid did not make sense), I had longer and heavier periods with painful cramping, more frequent and severe headaches, unexplained cuts on my skin, stomach problems (been having those for years with doctors claiming nothing was wrong), not sleeping and can't go to sleep, fatigue, soreness all over my body, brittle nails, and always cold ( i have always hated the cold probably because I have always had low iron. Anyway, I started taking Iron supplements and L-lysen (sp?). I also use a shampoo that has L-lysen. L-lysen helps your body absorb iron. My hair is coming back slowly, but surely and my nails are getting strong and beautiful. The other systems are also getting better and I feel more energenic. I just wonder... how much Iron should I be taking??

#46 - beebeedoll - 02/02/2009 - 17:56

I had all the symptoms mentioned above and my doc diagnosed me with iron deficiency last year after complete blood work and put on iron supplement 1000mg/day. I felt a whole lot better and had my bloodwork done and stop the supplement once it looks a OK. This year, I am feeling the same symptoms all over again. I read here IUD can cause iron loss which might explain my problem. I may have to talk to my OBGYN as well. We have to be proactive and not rely totally on doctors to diagnose us correctly, they sometimes can not connect the dots. I am glad this forum is helping me understand my body better. thanks

#47 - susan E - 02/06/2009 - 13:01

I have all of the above symptoms besides the sores around the mouth, though occasionally I'll get a very small one on the inside of my cheek which hurts terribly. I'm a student, and living on my own, working as a waitress in a nearby job. I can't afford medical insurance, and the doctors' rates are just too extreme. Therefore, I've never been diagnosed with anemia or an iron deficiency. It's hard for me to eat healthy, iron-rich foods as anything but chicken, turkey, and sushi make me sick. It's weird, I know... I can eat raw fish, but not cooked fish. I get my "monthly friend" two to three times a month, and the longest I've had it at once is 23 days. I feel so terribly weak, and can barely get out of bed in the morning, sometimes I'll sleep for 12-15 hours at a time (I used to only sleep like 3-6 hrs. a night) My back always hurts, and my head feels as if it were going to split open. I get dizzy and worn out so easily, which is a serious problem with my job. It's a busy restaurant and I can't sit down for five minutes while my customers need refills or food. Occasionally I get a nosebleed that won't stop for hours. My hair used to be so thick and pretty, and now it looks as if it were going to fall right out of my head at any moment. I also have a memory problem, I can barely remember anything. My mum suggested I take iron pills, because she thinks I do have anemia, and I do take them... but even that hurts. When I take one it feels like something is eating me from the inside out. My stomach hurts so terribly and my back ends up hurting even more. The headaches go away, and so do the periods, but I'm still in so much pain that I'm at the point of tears.
Is there anything else I can do where I won't be in pain? I'm so tired of feeling this way-- I'm trying really hard to be successful, and whatever is wrong with me is holding me back... I can't be that one girl from high school that never made it. I have to make something of myself, but how am I supposed do that when I can barely move from pain? This probably sounds like a venting, and to a point-- it is. I apologize for that, but I just feel so helpless.

#48 - Emily - 02/09/2009 - 21:48

I've only dicovered that there was a problem when I had the loss hair, I went to my docter and sheadvised me that my anemia was extremely low. I am now taking prescribed iron supplements and whole vitamins for woman. Now my hair is GROWING BACK nice and healthy and my skin doesn't itch like it was. So if you think that you are iron deficiency see a doctor because the problem can be treated with iron supplements. I know the pain all to well of HAIR LOSS it really does hurt when you're a woman and losing your hair all of a sudden. be blessed get the test and live on.

#49 - 2blessed - 02/13/2009 - 21:14

Hey Pat, the ice-chewing craving is called pica, an unusual craving for specific foods (ice cubes, lettuce, etc.) often not rich in iron and many iron deficient people experience this.

Hope this helps :)

#50 - Amelia - 02/17/2009 - 16:32

I used to chew all the ice in my ice maker in one day!! I ended up with braces after that. 4 years later I am beginning to crave ice again. I had lasic eye surgery abougt 9 years ago, and my vision is beginning to blur and I am wearing glasses again. I also have a mild case of asthma. All symptoms you all have mentioned. I have CELIAC DISEASE which causes mal absorbtion in the intestines. I think it's time to go back to my internal med. Dr. to get an assessment. To those who are diagnosed with irritable bowl, have them check for Celiac Disease. glutenfreelex.org

#51 - Linda-2-18-09 - 02/18/2009 - 07:43

I found out that I had an iron deficiency about 3 months ago.I've always thought of myself as being perfectly healthy, so when I found out that my iron was extremly too low and I was anemic it was shocking yet it made perfect sense. I'd been experiencing heart palpitations along with fatigue and lose of breath.My periods had become unbearable, it was awful and no-one understood what I was going through. I didnt even understand which made it difficult to explain. I stayed so tired and cold; all I could think a/b was laying down taking a nap or just resting. I'm so used to moving and staying on the go that when these feeling began a red flag came up and I immediately went to the doctor. I'm now taking iron tablets and have noticed a huge improvement. I now have the energy level that im used to and im able to concentrate more. I use to crave ice for no apparent reason.It was never fulfillilng I just had to have more and more. I am happy to say that the ice urge has passed. I'm eating healthier that I ever have and taking my iron tablets, while noticing a huge improvement.

#52 - Nicole - 02/21/2009 - 01:54

I have had the headaches,memory loss,pain all over my body. I've been going to the doctor for the last five years trying to figure out why my body was in so much pain, while I was diagnosed with iron defiency anemia ; it was not connected to my pain. I also crave ice and have swelling in my knees and feet. After reading your comments it maes me wonder why the doctors could not connect the dots. Starting now i will start taking my supplements and eating right. Maybe my hair will grow anmy memory won't be so bad. Has anyone tried the iron injections.

#53 - mary - 03/14/2009 - 21:16

Hi ,i was woundering how you get iron of my daughters teeth,i have tried alot of different things but it seems too stay on,can you please help??

#54 - gwen_hope@msn.com - 03/31/2009 - 10:22

MY iron defiency was so bad that i Have to get the Iron infusions not fun pills did not work

#55 - Mary - 04/02/2009 - 14:26

hi my partner has an irion defiency and has been told she needsan irion injection every three months for the rest of her life but i do not think that can be correct she always feels tired and lak of energy there must be another solution supplement wise she can have please could some one help she is very down about this and depressed i worry for her so much. if any one can suggest something please email me at terryallan15@yahoo.co.uk i would be most greatfull for any help.

#56 - terry allan - 04/06/2009 - 17:10

Hey guys, im 16 and i was told i had low iron like a year ago and i took iron supplement but i stopped taking it about 6 or 7 months ago. This past weak ive felt soooooo horrible i cant even explain it. I understand what all u guys are going though!!! I was unbelievably tired weak and lightheaded. I had no appitite and i felt like sleeping and never getting up. Im 16 and usually on the move soo i was frustrated that i was so lazy. Also my eyes wpuld hurt and now the inside corners of my mouth hurt really bad and makes eating difficult. I have been taking iron supplements for about 3 days now and can feel a huge diference and im not that tired or lightheaded and my eyes dont hurt anymore!!! But the corners of my mouth stilll hurt! Soo anyone out there with these symptoms please take control and eat iron rich foods before u start to suffer as much and i was!!!!!! Thanks and i hope everyone can raise up their iron and get rid of these shitty symptons once and for all!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

#57 - Aln - 04/07/2009 - 02:23

Responding to Gwen #54 - are you sure it is iron and not lead. Either way you may want to ask your doctor for liquid calcuim. My daughter had to go on it for awhile.
I have been taking Fe-tinic Forte 150 mg pills for years with no problems but this last perscription refill I have found I get bad indigestion everytime I take a pill, Is anyone else had this happen?
Thanks, Kath

#58 - Kath - 04/07/2009 - 11:03

Just diagnosed with IDA two weeks ago. Just woke up with heart palpitations and low and behold that is another symptom too. I read this web page, decided to take my 65 mg of iron with stool softener of course and I feel better already. I was extremely tired, couldn't get up from bed to go to work, heavy cycle, chapped lips, leg pain, always cold, occasionaly dizzyness. I had blood tests done and the results showed low iron. I get tested again in a few weeks to see if the iron officially worked.

#59 - Kathy - 04/09/2009 - 03:40

Hi All,
What a frigging relief to find this board and realize that most of my problems are iron-related, and all of my ill-health symptoms are iron-related! Total exhaustion (falling asleep at work every day in spite of sleeping 10+ hours per nite), always cold (frigging always!), tingling and numbness in hand and feet, PICA chewing on ice (cost me 8 crowns and four root canals), heart palpitations, worsening asthma, severe leg and foot cramps....there were days I wanted a body transplant! Been on my iron supplements for five days now. Am already noticing an improvement. Jeez, there were days I thought I had to have some major disease because of how lousy I felt. I am so relieved to know it is due to iron deficiency. Was feeling lousy, got me a new primary care physician, he ordered up a blood test. Severe anemia (the wording on the paperwork from the lab said "Panic result call dr. immediately." Dang. He wanted to put me in the hospital that day (Monday) for a transfusion. Not this kid. I swore up and down I'd take my iron and eat lots of steaks and spinach. As I said, I am already feeling better...still getting a little tired here and there...and am really looking forward to the 3-6 month mark that it takes for the iron to do it's complete job. Hurray, I am so glad I'm not alone in this!!!

#60 - Barbara - 04/24/2009 - 12:08

Here's an answer - especially if you are a vegetarian. FLORADIX - It is a completely plant based liquid iron supplement. Made from a highly reputable manufacturer in Germany. I got mine from Swansonvitamins.com for about $20/bottle. They recommend two teaspoons in 1/2 glass of water twice a day before meals. This morning was the first time I took it. I felt it start working about 20 seconds after I took it. It was/is incredible. It's like I've been out of focus with my body and my memory and my vision for (ever) - especially since I stopped eating meat of any kind. (Trying to live vegan) - and IMMEDIATELY after I took it - my whole body (my muscles, stamina, my brain) started feeling like it was coming into focus. It was really incredible. I can tell already this will help me with my memory. I hope it will help me with my problem of being cold all the time - and most of everything else discussed above. It is supposed to be very bio-available to your body - which it shows it is by how fast I felt it start working. (It was on a totally empty stomach - hadn't eaten yet today - that I took it). It is supposed to be non-constipating which is why I wanted to try it. I had no idea the bottle would only last 12 days (25 servings per bottle) - so did not intend to keep taking it - as it is kind of expensive - will be $40-$50/month for this. HOWEVER - AFTER TAKING IT - I'M IN. I will just not eat out a couple more times a month, - this is incredible. Try it - I promise you won't be disappointed. I do not work for the company. I do work for a large corporation - and I have a stressful job. I know this will help a lot. Best to all of you... Lynne

#61 - Lynne - 05/02/2009 - 17:02

Thank-you guys for all of your comments. I have so many of these symptoms that pretty much describe my life. I was beginning to think something was seriously wrong with me, but everything that has been said describes my symptoms. I'm glad to know this since I can't get to the doctor right now.

#62 - Nicole - 05/06/2009 - 22:09

my ferritin levels are now on 7ug/L, i have been on iron tabs & have had injections. the tablets made me constipated so i had to stop takin them.im meant to have infusions done but keep putting them off as i have heard negative feedback.i get headaches constantly,dizzy,thinning hair,heart palpitations,asthma,difficulty breathing,tingling in the hands n feet,bruising easily,depression,irratibility,extreme exhaustion.on top of this i have a thyroid condition that i recently went on medication for. sometimes i feel 80yrs old even though im only 37. does anyone have any suggestions?

#63 - Shiv - 05/09/2009 - 08:03

I'm not crazy! I recently went to the Dr. knowing that something was wrong with me. My skin looked so terrible, that no expensive cream could make it look better, I woke up every morning feeling hung over, and so exhausted I could barely get up. I didn't realize my ice cravings were even a symptom until after I read about my diagnosis on the internet. And my memory...I thought it had something to do with having children, but now I really believe it's the anemia. After a week of iron supplements, my skin has some color, my lips are nice and smooth, I don't feel hung over every morning, and the ice cravings have subsided a little bit. The difference is already amazing...I will neglect my iron again!

#64 - Erica - 05/20/2009 - 00:34

I have most of the symptoms and I have been to the emergency a couple of times before due to breathing problems. I was diagnosed with IDA finally, in Oct 2008 and was prescribed iron supplement for 3 months. I was off the medication for 2 weeks when I discovered my left eye was getting blurry. It progressed to blindness within a week.
Went to 2 hospitals and the doctors thought it was retinal detachment. Turned out it wasn't. I saw several eye doctors but they could not find anything wrong with my eyes. I had about 60 different blood work done including CT scan MRI and Lumbar Puncture but the results were all negative, (I told them I was anemic and was back on iron supplement just 4 days ago again. So that time, my hemoglobin went back up almost normal.) I saw a neurologist and he decided my blindness was idiopathic. I was given steriods for 2 weeks to cure my blindness. It did help a lot cause now I can see with my left eye but it left a foggy/blurry circular area around the centre of my point of view.

It has been over 3 months now and I still have this blurry vision.

Why can't the doctors say that my blindness was caused by lack of iron? They have no diagnosis! If they could not find anything else wrong but knew that I was anemic, should not that be enough to have caused my blindness?

#65 - JoyM - May20/2009 - 05/20/2009 - 10:50

Hi, I'm 19 and I've been taking iron pills for 2-3 months now. I just recently started getting stomach aches in the mornings and I'm having trouble going number 2.
Does anyone now how I can treat this? It's incredibly painful....
please email me at: maria-chilangz@hotmail.com if you have any information on how I can get rid of these stomach pains and constipation.
Thankyou

#66 - Maria - 05/22/2009 - 05:43

2blessed.. I'm just like you.. went to derm and found out hairloss was a terribly low iron issue... just starting the iron supps... two things--- did you avoid the side effects of the iron pills in any special way--- eating them with something-- how to stomach them, I hear they can cause lots of bad side effects, stomachwise? ?Any tips, but also, how long until your hair started growing back and more normal? or anyone else who saw hair growth after the problem was noticed and iron supps taken? Thanks---wondering...

#67 - wondering - 05/28/2009 - 17:54

anyone thinks it could be tapeworms? I had anemia ever since I was young and I used to see worms on the floor of my bathroom when I was young. Never thought much of it. Always tired, pale, bloodless lips, cold and exhausted for all my life even though my diet is rather healthy- plenty of vegetables and fruits and good amount of meat. Suffered from asthma and now from an upset digestive system these days: can't digest fats properly, lots of wind, and unexplained stabbing pains in the stomach. The only time in my life I felt great was when I went on the Atkins diet and stuck to meat and oils. My energy was up there and my mental system was very good. However in the past few years my once thick hair has thinned out considerably, and I get rashes and itch on my skin. Wondering if I do have parasites...

#68 - thinking - 05/29/2009 - 05:37

i meant hookworms...

#69 - thinking - 05/29/2009 - 05:38

I was just diagnosed with iron deficiency. I am taking the pills, but they make me horribly constipated. Will taking a stool softener help? Also, when is the best time to take the iron pills? My mom is iron deficient too, and she told me to take them with food because they made her nauseated, but then I heard that I should take them w/o food, because food inhibits absorption of the iron.

I've been having symptoms for years, including being cold all the time, numbness in my feet, confusion, fatigue, irritability, heartburn, and headaches. I also have very dry, scaly feet. Is that one of the symptoms?

It's great to read everyone's comments. It makes me feel like I'm not alone in what I'm experiencing.

#70 - Evelyn - 06/17/2009 - 14:14

I have been a vegetarian for a few years, and i have had sympoms that have been increasign for all this time since i stopped eatign meat. My mother, grandmother, and aunt have all suffered from anemia, IT IS HEREDITARY TO BE LESS ABLE TO ABSORB IRON. I also have had anxiety, kind of severe anxiety, and even while relaxed at home, (where i had spent much time because im afraid of falling over in a store from dizziness), i couldnt stop from feeling like im falling, couldnt breathe, or just feeling plain anxious for school or whatever for no reason. i have a swollen toungue but its not red..

ive been waiting for blood test results from my doctor who wont answer my calls and is always not in the office.

#71 - anonym. - 06/19/2009 - 00:56

Had iron deficiency off and on for years. However, I just realized how horrible it can be. I've been having terrible headaches, with pain behind the eyes and in the forehead, shooting pains in my neck and shoulders and up the sides of my head. Plus, it can cause a lot of other problems.

Please note that if you are from Northern European heritage, you have a higher possibility of Celiac disease, which will not allow you to absorb nutrients sufficiently. I have decided to try gluten free eating, and take double iron supplements. It is helping.
Also, about the headaches, low iron causes the arteries and veins to swell, because of lack of oxygen. that means your intercranial blood pressure rises, and can cause stroke.
This is a very serious deficiency. Please take your iron.

#72 - Kendra - 06/23/2009 - 10:36

A couple of years ago i had a friend go to the doctor for a physical and they found a low blood count. Matter a fact they had to rush her to the hospital from the clinic and put an IV in her. The doctors diagnosed her anemic and she almost had to get a blood transfusion. But before all this happened you could figure out there was something wrong with her. She would have great fatigue and lounge around. She was very pale and had the chills all the time.

#73 - Juelz - 06/24/2009 - 05:07

Hi Folks, delighted when i read all your comments. I've been running to my doctors for the past 4 years feeling like a right hypocondriac. Severe headaches (especially on one side), fatigue, joint and muscle pain, lower back pain (extreme) double vision and blurred vision, shortness of breath etc etc. The palpatations literally broke me - i felt like my heart was racing up and down the centre of my chest and i was just waiting on the big attack - geninuely thought i was dying. Went back to the doctor once again - luckily touched for a locum who ordered blood tests - few days later - diagnosed with anemia. You would think the doctors i've seen over the years could've diagnosed this - also on one occasion my doctor commented on my bad colour and my nails looking very brittle - he sent me for an ECG. Anyway, thanks for posting all your comments i'm starting to feel normal again.

#74 - Ann Bradley - 06/28/2009 - 17:41

thinking,

Ever hear of candidiasis? Look up candida and chronic fatigue. It's not a parasite or a worm, it's a yeast infection. The fact that you felt better while on atkins is a strong sign that it could be candida. Many people believe that toxins released by the candida yeast cause the symptoms of candidiasis, but I've always had a suspicion that it was the lack of intestinal flora that really caused the problems. Yeast and bacteria fight for space in your intestines, (among other areas) and an overabundance of yeast means a deficiency of helpful bacteria. Gut flora play several very important roles in the absorption and even sysnthesis of several nutrients. A lack of healthy intestinal flora could cause malabsorption of nutrients and lowered immunity. But since being on the atkins diet would also mean that you weren't eating any wheat products, it could also be celiac disease. Celiac disease wreaks havok on your GI tract and causes you to malabsorb nutrients.

Evelyn,

Try taking an iron supplement that contains ferrous fumarate or ferrous gluconate. These forms of iron are less likely to cause constipation. Another reason that you are probably experiencing constipation is because you were perscriped an extremely high dose of iron. Do not take stool softeners/laxatives! You wil become dependent! The best time of day to take iron is in evening. If you take an iron supplement with food, it will absorb less, but you will also have less stomach difficulty. My advice would be to take it with dinner. Once your iron levels are closer to normal, you could probably switch from your prescribed iron to a gentler form. Solgar makes a product called "Gentle Iron" that won't constipate you or upset your stomach. There is also a product by Floradix called "Iron and Herbs" that is very gentle. It doesn't have a lot of iron, (10 mg) but the amount it does have is very absorbable and it also contains B-6, B-12 and folic acid. Because it is very safe, I would recommend this product to anyone that thinks they may be anemic but doesn't have a diagnosis.

To all the vegetarians, you don't HAVE to start eating meat again to get enough iron. Yes, iron from meat is more bioavailable that iron from plants. Yes, animal flesh contains a peptide that boost iron absorption. But it is definitely not impossible or even that difficult to get sufficient iron from plants. However, you must either take iron supplements or be committed to paying attention to how much iron you are getting. There are many diet analysis websites online (mypyramidtracker is one) that you could use to track your iron intake. Eat lots of cooked spinach, blackstrap molasses (it's very important that it's blackstrap and not regular molasses), kidney beans, pinto beans, prunes and dates. Almonds, whole grains and fortified cereals also have good amounts of iron. Cacao (unprocessed chocolate) surprisingly has a good amount of iron, but the high fiber content inhibits the absorption somewhat. You can buy raw cacao nibs at most health food stores, and the brand Dagoba makes all of their chocolate from cacao (a bar that's 75% cacao has something like 50% of your DV of iron). Things that inhibit iron absorption include fiber, calcium, phytates (from legumes and whole grains), and tannins (from coffee, tea and wine). Being a vegetarian, there's not much you can do about these inhibiting factors except drink beverages containing tannins and high calcium foods at different meals than your high-iron foods (i.e., don't have a glass of milk with with your blackstrap molasses). Vitamin C boosts iron absorption from plant foods, so a glass of orange juice or a meal containing tomatoes would help you absorb more iron.

#75 - Anonymous - 06/30/2009 - 10:59

Deficiency symptoms of iron

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