Symptoms Of An Iron Deficiency

Strange Non-Food Cravings

An iron deficiency can make individuals crave non-food items such as ice, dirt or clay. Doctors use the term Pica to describe the craving to eat things that supply no nutritional value to the body. Craving and chewing ice (pagophagia) has long been associated with an iron deficiency, both when it progresses to anemia and when it does not, though the reasoning behind this remains unclear, though some research indicates the action may increase alertness in these patients. It is also said major emotional problems can cause the onset of eating clay or dirt. An iron deficiency does cause stress within the body, which can lead to Pica. To learn more about Pica, check out Understanding Pica And What You Need To Know.

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Dizziness And Lightheadedness

Once again, hemoglobin is responsible for the feeling of dizziness and lightheadedness accompanying an iron deficiency. As stated numerous times, hemoglobin is what's responsible for carrying oxygen throughout the body, and when these levels drop alongside low iron levels, the body is deprived of oxygen, which manifests itself physically in a number of ways. One of these physical manifestations is feeling dizzy or lightheaded, and it can occur because of the shortage of oxygen in the brain or because of low blood pressure due to a poorly oxygenated heart or blood vessels.

Read more now to learn about additional signs of an iron deficiency to watch for.