Key symptoms of iron deficiency and 6 foods you should add to your diet

According to the World Health Organization, up to 80 percent of people in the world do not get enough iron. Do you know the symptoms of iron deficiency? Here are the early warning signs to look out for and six foods you should start eating today to boost your iron levels.

Iron deficiency can make you feel lethargic and exhausted. Your body needs iron to make hemoglobin, a substance found in red blood cells that helps them effectively transport oxygen to your tissues and muscles.

What are the symptoms of iron deficiency anemia?

What are the symptoms of iron deficiency anemia?

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The NHS has warned that the most common symptoms of iron deficiency include:

  • Fatigue and lack of energy
  • Shortness of breath
  • Visible heartbeat (rapid heartbeat)
  • Pale skin

Less common symptoms of iron deficiency are:

  • Headache
  • Ringing, buzzing or hissing in the head
  • Strange taste of food
  • Itchy skin
  • Hair loss
  • A desire to eat inedible objects such as paper or ice
  • Difficulty swallowing (dysphagia)
  • Painful open sores at the corners of the mouth
  • Spoon-shaped nails
  • Restless legs syndrome

If you have symptoms of iron deficiency anemia, you should see to your GP for a blood test to confirm whether you have the condition.

The doctor will then suggest that you start taking an iron supplement or switch to a more iron-rich diet. Which foods are rich in iron and which should be avoided?

  • Red meat or, if you are vegetarian or plant-based, beans and legumes as a substitute
  • Liver
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  • Nuts
  • Dark green leafy vegetables
  • Dried fruits including prunes, apricots and raisins

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