Symptoms of Iron-Deficiency Anemia

Iron-deficiency anemia occurs when you don't get enough iron, which means your body doesn't have enough healthy red blood cells to carry oxygen to its tissues. It can be caused by heavy menstrual periods, internal bleeding or simply not eating a diet high in iron. Iron-deficiency anemia can be treated with an iron supplement or by eating an iron-rich diet.

Weakness

• People with iron-deficiency anemia will often feel weak and fatigued.

Breathing Trouble

• Shortness of breath, especially during exercise, is a common symptom of iron-deficiency anemia.

Mental State

• Difficulty concentrating and irritability are signs of iron-deficiency anemia. Dizziness and headaches are also commonly experienced.

Pale Skin

• People with iron-deficiency anemia may notice their skin becomes more pale than usual.

Pica

• Pica, or the craving of non-food items such as ice, dirt or starch, is a sign of iron-deficiency anemia.

Other Common Symptoms

• People with iron-deficiency anemia also may notice cold hands and feet, a sore tongue, a rapid heartbeat and brittle toenails and fingernails.