Iron deficiency anaemia happens when your body doesn’t have enough iron to make the right amount of haemoglobin—a protein in red blood cells that carries oxygen throughout the body. Without enough haemoglobin, your organs and tissues don’t get the oxygen they need, which can lead to noticeable health problems.
In the early stages, you might not even realise something is wrong. But as the condition worsens, symptoms like constant tiredness and brittle nails can appear. Recognising these warning signs can help you identify the problem early, receive the appropriate treatment, and maintain your overall health.
At first, iron deficiency anaemia can be subtle. You may feel a little more tired than usual, but nothing extreme. Over time, though, the symptoms can become more intense.
Persistent fatigue or tiredness
Feeling weak and lacking energy
Pale or washed-out skin
Shortness of breath or rapid heartbeat
Headaches, dizziness, or feeling faint
Cold hands and feet
Sore or swollen tongue
Brittle nails that break easily
Unusual cravings for items like ice, dirt, or starch (a condition called pica)
Loss of appetite, especially in children
These symptoms indicate your body is struggling to get enough oxygen, making it important to seek medical attention.
Two symptoms often linked to iron deficiency anaemia are brittle nails and fatigue.
Brittle nails: Iron is important for the health of your nails, skin, and hair. Without it, your nails may become weak, thin, or prone to splitting. In some cases, they may even develop an unusual spoon-like shape (koilonychia).
Fatigue: Feeling tired all the time is one of the most common complaints. Since iron is necessary for producing haemoglobin, a shortage means your blood can’t carry enough oxygen. Your body responds by slowing down, making you feel exhausted even after plenty of rest.
If you notice both brittle nails and fatigue together, it’s a good idea to get your iron levels checked.
Iron deficiency occurs when your body doesn’t get enough iron, loses too much, or cannot absorb it properly. The cause of iron deficiency anaemia can vary and includes:
Poor diet – Not consuming enough iron-rich foods, such as red meat, leafy greens, beans, and fortified cereals, can lead to iron deficiency.
Blood loss – Heavy menstrual periods, injuries, surgery, or conditions like ulcers can reduce iron stores.
Increased iron needs – Pregnant women, growing children, and teenagers often require more iron than usual.
Absorption problems – Digestive issues like celiac disease or certain surgeries can make it harder for your body to absorb iron.
Chronic illnesses – Conditions like kidney disease or heart failure can interfere with how your body uses iron.
Understanding the cause is important because treatment isn’t just about replacing iron—it’s also about fixing the underlying problem.
Treatment depends on how severe the deficiency is and what’s causing it.
Iron supplements: The most common approach is taking iron tablets or liquids. These help replenish your iron stores gradually.
Intravenous (IV) iron: If you can’t tolerate pills or need faster results, your doctor may suggest IV iron, which delivers a concentrated dose directly into your bloodstream.
Dietary changes: Adding foods like lean red meat, spinach, lentils, and iron-fortified cereals can boost your intake. Pairing them with vitamin C-rich foods (like oranges or tomatoes) can improve absorption.
Treating underlying causes: This could mean managing heavy periods, addressing digestive issues, or treating chronic illnesses that impact iron levels.
Monitoring progress: Regular blood tests help ensure your iron levels are improving and staying stable.
One specific IV option is Feritas FCM Injection is a prescription medication used to treat iron deficiency anaemia, especially in cases where oral iron supplements are ineffective or not well-tolerated. It contains Ferric Carboxymaltose, a form of iron given directly into the bloodstream through an intravenous (IV) infusion.
Iron deficiency anaemia is a common but manageable condition. The key is early detection—recognising symptoms like brittle nails and constant fatigue can make all the difference. With the right combination of diet changes, supplements, or medical treatments, you can restore healthy iron levels and prevent future problems.
If you suspect you may be low in iron, consult your healthcare provider. A simple blood test can confirm the diagnosis, and with proper treatment, you’ll be on your way to feeling more energetic and healthier overall.
Advik Singh
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