Iron deficiency: Overview of symptoms and causes
When there is a lack of iron, the body lacks iron - you should not underestimate that: this trace element takes on important tasks for health. Various symptoms therefore also indicate the lack. On this page we show which these are and which causes can be responsible for iron deficiency in addition to one-sided nutrition.
Iron deficiency: causes - not only the diet is to blame
An iron deficiency can occur in four ways: Too little iron in the diet, an impaired iron intake, an increased need for iron or an iron loss. The body needs iron for oxygen absorption, oxygen storage and for blood formation.
- Reduced iron intake: Red meat and fish are the best sources of protein. Vegetarians and vegans avoid these foods and therefore suffer from iron deficiency more often. Vegetables such as spinach also contain a lot of iron. However, the body cannot absorb iron from vegetables as well as it does from meat and fish. Iron-containing foods are therefore particularly important.
- Decreased iron absorption by the body: If there is insufficient stomach acid, this interferes with the iron absorption. A gastric or duodenal ulcer can also be responsible. Celiac disease or chronic bowel diseases such as Crohn's disease or ulcerative colitis also hinder the absorption of the trace element. In addition, certain foods, such as tea or some medications, are also responsible for reduced iron absorption. Inheritance plays a role in very rare cases.
- Increased iron requirement: The need for iron is not always the same. When growing, the body needs more of the trace element, as well as during pregnancy and during breastfeeding. Athletes also have an increased iron requirement. After a long illness, the body also needs more iron to recover.
- Iron deficiency due to iron loss: Bleeding always leads to iron loss. It does not have to be major external injuries. A bleeding stomach ulcer leads to iron deficiency as well as very heavy menstrual bleeding or intermenstrual bleeding.
Symptoms of iron deficiency: Classification in medicine by stage
Most of the iron in the body is found in the blood. There the trace element is bound to the red blood pigment in the red blood cells. Iron is also a component of various proteins and enzymes. The body also stores iron in the liver, spleen and bone marrow.
- Stage I: At this stage the level of stored iron drops. Since sufficient blood cells are still formed - in the first section we described that the trace element is important for blood formation - there are still no physical symptoms.
- Stage II: If it is no longer possible to use enough iron from the stores, first symptoms such as pain when swallowing, dry skin associated with itching, cracked corners of the mouth - so-called rhagades, a burning sensation on the tongue as well as hair loss and brittle hair appear. At this stage, a protein deficiency is a disease and must therefore be treated by the doctor. You should definitely go to a doctor.
- Stage III: If he is not treated in stage II iron deficiency, stage III follows. The iron deficiency is now so pronounced that many bodily functions are significantly restricted. The lack of oxygen leads to headaches, chronic fatigue and sleep disorders. Affected people are listless and pale. The hair loss continues, the nails become brittle. Shortness of breath can also occur. Stage III is classified as a dangerous disease. In any case, have a doctor examine you.
In order not to let it get this far, you should see a doctor at the first signs of protein deficiency. You can at least ensure an adequate supply of iron with a healthy diet. You can find out more in our next health guide.