What are the symptoms of Iron Deficiency?

Iron deficiency anaemia is the commonest type of anaemia and it can vary in severity from mild to severe. If the anaemia is mild you may have no symptoms but as the anaemia worsens, signs and symptoms become more evident.

Symptoms of iron deficiency anaemia may include:

• Fatigue or feeling tired often.
• Pale skin or pallor.
• Change in heart beat that is fast or irregular heartbeat.
• Shortness of breath.
• Chest pain or discomfort.
• Dizziness or feeling giddy.
• Difficulty in concentration (Cognitive problems).
• Cold hands and feet.
• Headache and irritability.
• Inflamed or sore tongue.
• Brittle nails.
• Pica i.e. craving to eat non-nutritive substances, such as ice, dirt or starch.
• Poor appetite. It is more common in infants and children.
• Tingling or crawling feeling in the legs (restless legs syndrome) while you sit, go to sleep or rest.

If you suspect you have signs and symptoms suggest iron deficiency anaemia, consult a doctor. Self-treatment for iron deficiency anaemia with iron supplements is not recommended as excess iron can be harmful.

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