2024 Author: Jasmine Walkman | [email protected]. Last modified: 2023-12-16 08:29
The iron is one of the most important nutrients as it helps various proteins to supply oxygen to our body - but the truth is that a large part of the world's population does not get enough of this essential mineral.
Iron deficiency is the most common micronutrient deficiency worldwide, explains Dr. Kelly Prichet. In fact, according to the World Health Organization, nearly half of the world's 1.62 billion cases of anemia - a condition characterized by a lack of healthy red blood cells - are linked to iron deficiency. Iron deficiency is typical for pregnant women, young children, people who regularly donate blood and vegetarians or vegans.
Approximately 10 million people in the United States are iron deficient, according to a 2013 study. Women are more likely to be iron deficient than men. True iron deficiency manifests itself in three stages, the most severe being iron deficiency anemia - a condition in which the body not enough ironto create hemoglobin - a protein that is responsible for delivering oxygen to tissues. This leads to a decrease in the number of red blood cells, which usually leads to fatigue, dizziness, pale skin or shortness of breath.
Here are 6 unusual sign of iron deficiencyto watch out for.
You have strange desires to eat things that are not food
If as a child you ate sand from the sandbox of the playground, you may have been deficient in iron. Researchers are still trying to understand why people with iron deficiency feel the urge to consume non-food products such as dirt, clay, cornstarch, paints, chips, cardboard and detergents.
Your nails are brittle and often break
Nails can actually say a lot about our health. Brittle, weak nails that break easily or curl for no reason can be cause of iron deficiency. Concave nails, more commonly known as spoon nails, are a very clear sign of a health problem related to iron deficiency.
Your lips are dry and cracked
In winter, when it is cold outside, very often our lips start to crack. But in people with iron deficiency, cracking of the corners of the lips can be observed. These cracks are painful and can even limit your usual activities such as eating and smiling. In a study of 82 people with a similar problem, researchers found that 35% of them had iron deficiency.
Restless legs syndrome
Restless Legs Syndrome is a neurological disorder characterized by discomfort in the limbs, tingling, or sensation of insects crawling around your legs. Doctors are still not entirely sure what causes this condition, but some research suggests that low iron levels may be a major problem. In fact, a study of 251 patients with iron deficiency anemia in 2013 concluded that they had restless legs syndrome nearly 24% (or nine times) higher than normal.
Your tongue is strangely swollen
Another not so obvious symptom of iron deficiency is atrophic glossitis, also known as swollen and tender tongue. Swelling can cause problems with chewing, swallowing or speaking. In a study of 75 people with iron deficiency anemia in 2013, researchers found that nearly 27% of them had atrophic voice, along with dry mouth, burning sensation and other oral health problems.
You constantly want ice
Pagophagy is the term for someone who often craves ice. The desire can be constant and often lasts more than a month. Pagophagy is a rare form of eating disorder called peak. Pika often accompanies other mental disorders such as autism and schizophrenia and gives people obsessive desires for foods that have no real nutritional value. While children are generally more likely to develop a peak, pagophagy can affect both adults and children. Some researchers believe there is a link between iron deficiency anemia and a frantic desire for ice, but the cause remains unclear. People with anemia do not have enough healthy red blood cells, which are essential for oxygen transport. In iron deficiency anemia, the cause is iron deficiency.
How to get enough iron
If you notice any of the above symptoms, it may be time to see your doctor - just keep in mind that these are not the only strange signs associated with iron deficiency.
In the meantime, make sure you eat iron-rich foods. Women between the ages of 19 and 50 should take at least 18 milligrams a day (27 milligrams if you are pregnant), while men can take about 8 milligrams. You can easily get iron by simply eating animal products such as oysters, beef, fish and chicken.
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