Without enough iron to maintain good hemoglobin levels, your body isn’t able to carry as much oxygen to your organs and muscles. Over time, iron deficiency anemia is a condition that develops when your body doesn’t have enough iron to produce healthy red blood cells. Iron is important in maintaining many body functions, including the production of hemoglobin, the molecule in your blood that carries oxygen. Iron is also necessary to maintain healthy cells, including skin, hair, and nails. During periods of rapid growth such as infancy, childhood and pregnancy, iron health is important.
Common symptoms & signs of iron deficiency in adults include1, 2:
| SYMPTOMS | |
|---|---|
 Fatigue/shortness of breath |  Ice craving |
 Light-headedness |  Headaches |
 Cold intolerance |  Chest pain |
 Hair loss |  Irritability/ depression |
 Decreased exercise performance, or difficulty in daily regular activities |
|
| SIGNS | |
|---|---|
 Nail changes(e.g.spoon nails) |  Angular cheilitis (mouth sore at the corners of the mouth) |
 Atrophic glossitis (smoothening and thinning of tongue) | Restless leg syndrome |
 Bluish tint on the white part of the eye |  |
 Impaired immune function |
|
Consult your health care practitioner if you are concerned about your iron health, or if you experience any of these signs or symptoms.
Complete our symptom checker to prepare for your appointment.
Sources
1. BC Guidelines.ca.Iron Deficiency – Diagnosis and Management.[last modified 2019 Apr17; last accessed 2025 Jan 29].Available from: https:// www2.gov.bc.ca/assets/gov/health/practitioner-pro/bc-guidelines/full_fe_unit_update.pdf.
2. Alberta Medical Association. Iron Deficiency Anemia (IDA) Clinical Practice Guideline [last modified 2018 Mar; last accessed 2025 Jan 29]. Available from: https://www.albertadoctors.org/media/atabokv2/iron-deficiency-anemia-guideline.pdf
