Are you iron-deficient?

By Brooke Strickland

What does it mean when you’re anemic, or deficient in iron?  This is a common condition that means your blood has a lower number of red blood cells.  Red blood cells carry oxygen to cells and remove carbon dioxide from your body.  Anemia usually develops over time if your body doesn’t have enough iron to build healthy red blood cells.[1]  Pregnant women and young children are more prone to iron-deficiency because of higher iron needs and rapid growth. 

What are some of the symptoms of anemia?

•  Fatigue
•  Cold hands and/or feet
• Rapid heartbeat
• Decreased immune function
• Chest pain
• Pale skin
•  Brittle nails
• Irritability
•  Headache
• Weakness
• Shortness of breath

It can often be very mild and unnoticeable, but if you are experiencing symptoms, it’s important not to self-diagnose.   This is an easily treatable condition, but it’s important to seek advice from a medical professional on treatment options.   Your doctor may prescribe dietary changes, iron supplements on a regular basis, prescriptions, and in severe cases even blood transfusion, iron-injections, or surgery.  [2]