how do you know if you got low iron?
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This often depends on the severity of the anemia. Common signs and symptoms include tiredness, pale skin, noticeable heartbeats, headaches and dizziness, feeling short of breath, dry and damaged hair and skin, sore or swollen tongue and mouth, restless legs and brittle or spoon-shaped nails.
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Iron deficiency can be diagnosed through blood tests that measure the serum ferritin level but these tests are not always accurate.
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Ferritin is a measure of iron stores and is the most sensitive and specific test for iron deficiency. Low levels of ferritin less than 15 μg/ml are diagnostic of iron deficiency. Levels higher than 40 μg/ml in a healthy person are considered optimal.
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The takeaway Some people with very low iron levels may need intravenous iron. Ideally, you should take iron supplements on an empty stomach because food can decrease the amount of iron your body absorbs. Taking iron supplements with foods or drinks that have vitamin C will help your body absorb the iron.
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One of the best ways to tell if you're anemic is to look at the mucous membranes of your eyes, also commonly referred to as the water line above your lower lashes. This is a vascular area so if it's pale, it's a good sign that you're not getting enough red blood cells to other areas of your body either.
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If you have anemia, your body does not get enough oxygen-rich blood. This can cause you to feel tired or weak. You may also have shortness of breath, dizziness, headaches, or an irregular heartbeat.
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A ferritin blood test can also help your doctor figure out whether your body is storing too much iron. High levels may point to alcohol abuse, infection, liver disease, rheumatoid arthritis, overactive thyroid, or some types of cancer. Symptoms of high iron levels vary and can include: Exhaustion.
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Red blood cells carry oxygen to the body's organs via the bloodstream. If there is a lack of red blood cells in our blood, our bodies get less oxygen, making us feel weak and tired. Other signs of anemia include a pale complexion, and cold hands and feet.
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Low hemoglobin levels Iron-deficiency anemia is the most common type. This form of anemia occurs when a person does not have enough iron in their body, and it cannot make the hemoglobin it needs. Anemia is usually caused by blood loss, but can also be due to poor absorption of iron.
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Being tired all the time can also be a sign of vitamin deficiency. This could include low levels of vitamin D, vitamin B-12, iron, magnesium, or potassium. A routine blood test can help identify a deficiency. Your doctor may recommend taking supplements.
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However, left untreated, iron deficiency anemia can become severe and lead to health problems, including the following: Heart problems. Iron deficiency anemia may lead to a rapid or irregular heartbeat. Your heart must pump more blood to compensate for the lack of oxygen carried in your blood when you're anemic.
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Signs and symptoms of iron deficiency may include brittle nails, swelling or soreness of the tongue, cracks in the sides of the mouth, an enlarged spleen, and frequent infections. People who have iron-deficiency anemia may have an unusual craving for nonfood items, such as ice, dirt, paint, or starch.
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Ferritin is a blood protein that contains iron. A ferritin test helps your doctor understand how much iron your body stores. If a ferritin test reveals that your blood ferritin level is lower than normal, it indicates your body's iron stores are low and you have iron deficiency.
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When a person's iron stores are low, as in your case, that condition is known as iron deficiency. If the body uses up all the iron stored in ferritin, then it can't make hemoglobin. A low level of hemoglobin is anemia. When your blood test showed low iron stores, that meant the amount of ferritin in your blood was low.
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Anemia is caused by lack of Hemoglobin. Iron Deficiency is caused by lack of Iron. Iron Deficiency with Anemia is caused by both a lack of Iron AND a lack of Hemoglobin.
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Having a low red blood count or anemia can cause symptoms that may include: fatigue. dizziness. shortness of breath.
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Sometimes iron deficiency will present as anxiety, depression, irritability, and even poor concentration and general restlessness. For example, iron deficiency has much higher prevalence in children diagnosed with ADHD, and the symptoms can improve with iron supplementation.