Iron deficiency, usually leading to anemia, occurs when lack of sufficient iron reserves leads to little or no production of healthy red blood cells. It is easily detected with a simple blood test. Common symptoms of iron deficiency include:

• Chronic Fatigue Or Weakness – Iron is essential for producing hemoglobin, which carries oxygen to all parts of the body. Reduced oxygen leads to muscles and tissues under stress which causes fatigue.
• Pale Skin – Lack of iron causes pale skin as reduced hemoglobin decreases the red color of the blood.
• Shortness of Breath – lack of oxygen causes shortness of breath even after mild physical activity.
• Brittle Nails & Hair Loss – Iron deficiency weakens the strength of nails and hair making them brittle, thin and prone to breaking.
• Heart Palpitations – Heart needs to work harder due to lack of oxygen leading to irregular heartbeats or pounding feeling in the chest.
• Chronic Headaches & Migraine – Iron deficiency leads to less oxygen supply to brain causing mild to severe headaches and migraine.
• Dizziness & Lightheadedness – Less oxygen supply to brain leads to frequent dizziness.
• Unusual Cravings – Iron deficient people usually crave for non-food items such as clay, dirt or ice. Such cravings are very common, especially among pregnant women.
• Restless Leg Syndrome – Iron deficiency is the leading cause of unpleasant sensations in legs, often at night.