How do you know you have iron deficiency?

One of the most common signs is lethargy. I had an iron deficiency during my first pregnancy. A simple test from your doctor is all that's needed. It can be treated with iron supplements and it's also a good idea to eat iron rich foods like red meat and beans.

by Claire Winlow

Iron is an important mineral as it helps create red blood cells. Red blood cells deliver oxygen to the muscles and if you have a low Iron count, the chances are you will have a low red blood cell count as well.

Symptoms of low Iron include feeling fatigue, breathlessness even after a short walk, dizziness, cold hands & feet, pale skin and the feeling of pins and needles in your legs when doing a simple exercise such as walking up stairs.

Iron deficiency does not happen over night. Many women suffer from low iron due to the amount of blood lost each month and the lack of a balance diet that includes iron rich foods. Over time, the body uses its iron stores to create hemoglobin (red blood cell) and this can result in depleting its iron stores.

If you suffer from heavy menstrual bleeding, and/or do a lot of sports, there is a high chance of you having a low iron count. Remedying this is easy. Your first step is to see your doctor for a blood test. This test will give you a reading for Iron, Ferritin and Hemoglobin. If your Iron stores are low, your doctor will prescribe an Iron supplement.


Eating Iron Rich Foods will also help. Meat has one of the highest iron counts, together with green vegetables such a spinach. Now you know why your Mum insisted that you eat your spinach! To find a full list of iron-rich foods you do a Google search.

One of the main catalysts for iron absorption is Vitamin C. When eating high Iron foods make sure you also include Vitamin C foods such as oranges and lemons. One of the mistakes I made was drinking milk during dinner. Calcium inhibits the absorption of Iron, so substitute water with your meal instead of milk.

From my personal experience all three of my readings which included Iron, Ferritin and Hemoglobin was so low that the doctor wanted to put me in hospital. I remember feeling so tired and breathless all the time. I also thought I was unfit, because I could only cycle a maximum of 10 km before I would start feeling tired with this over whelming feeling of gasping for air. I was given a number of iron shots which is probably not the nicest of experience, however it was better than being in hospital and far better than feeling I had one foot in the grave.

If you have any of the symptoms, see your doctor. This is one deficiency that you can remedy - almost immediately!

by chipp

I think you can find out from a simple blood test.

by SupahAnnie

Excessive tiredness is the most common symptom of iron deficiency but it can also be a symptom of other conditions. The only way to know for sure is to have a blood test. Iron can be toxic so it is not recommended to take supplements unless you have confirmed with your doctor that you actually have a deficiency, and what is causing that deficiency.

by Clare Deville

Fatigue is the most common symptom. If you're face is pale, and the red around your eyes is faded they are good signs of anaemia.

The best way to be sure is to go to a doctor and have a blood test. The blood bank also test your iron every time you donate.

While you're waiting for results try to eat more red meat, leafy greens and some vitamin C to help your're body absorb the iron.

by Rachael Koch

When you go to the blood bank, and your haemoglobin level is below 120, they say you have iron deficiency anaemia, and to go see your local doctor. The doctor is likely to prescribe some safe pills called Fefol. They work so well. Otherwise, a natural alternative would be to drink some liquid iron called Floradix, that you can purchase at health food stores.

by Justine Crowley

Agree with Claire, you feel lethargic, and your face is rather pale.
You barely have any energy to do anything. Even if you start to lose some weight unnecessarily, that is also a tell tale sign. Again, a blood test is needed to find out.

by Justine Crowley

Dizziness and lightheaded-ness were two signs of iron deficiency in my own experience.

by EricaL

If iron levels are low, the amount of haemoglobin in our red blood cells, as well as the number of red blood cells, is reduced. This is called anaemia.

Symptoms include tiredness and lethargy, difficulty concentrating and a shortened attention span.

All the tissues and cells in the body depend on oxygen to function properly; if they receive less oxygen, they won't work so well.

On average, adult men need 8.7mg of iron a day. For women the figure is 14.8mg.
See your doctor first! they will know what is the very best treatment for you...e.g. Supplements...but that is always a good place to start so you can have a true evaluation of your condition.

by jonaja

Overall fatigue is classic symptom of anemia. The nails and eyes tend to look pale. In women heavy menstruation is main reason for iron deficiency. So along with routine blood check, investigate your hormone levels too. In kids, fussy eaters are more prone. Also any worms infesting the intestine can retard iron absorption.
A simple blood check can tell your Iron levels. If low, take a prescribed supplement from your GP. It is important to regularly check the levels and discontinue use once the levels are stabilized as high doses can cause digestive discomfort and even toxicity in higher levels.
For example, after an illness, Iron levels would go down but once you are fit and fine they would spring back to normal. At this time you wouldn't need supplements.
In those taking Calcium supplements as well, remember to take Calcium and Iron at different times, i.e if you take Calcium before lunch, take Iron at dinner time.

by Smita

I check the inside of my lower eyelid. If it's pale, it's probably a sign of low iron. The flesh should be a dark reddy/pink not pale.

by fifi.

Fatigue (unexplained).

by Lydia C. Lee

I think you can do a quick check by looking inside your lower eyelids. If they are pale, chances are you're iron deficient.

by fifi.

With me it was bruising easily and fatigue.

by Shelley Murphy

I believe you get tired suddenly for no reason that you can equate to.

It is very easily tested with a blood test however.

by Finy