Signs and Symptoms of Iron Deficiency Anemia

While it is normal to feel tired after a long day at work or a heavy exercise session, when you’re anemic, you feel weary after shorter and shorter periods of exertion as your body’s cells become starved for oxygen. As anemia worsens, your body can experience visible physical changes – your skin become pale and your hair and nails brittle.

Learn to spot the signs and symptoms of iron deficiency anemia18 which may include:

VERY FREQUENT

Paleness

Paleness (45–50%)

Fatigue

Fatigue (44%)

Shortness of breath

Shortness of breath

Headache

Headache (63%)

FREQUENT

Hair loss

Hair loss (30%)

Inflammed tongue (27%)

Inflammed tongue (27%)

Restless legs syndrome (24%)

Restless legs syndrome (24%)

Dry and rough skin

Dry and rough skin

Dry and damaged hair

Dry and damaged hair

Cardiac murmur (10%)

Cardiac murmur (10%)

Abnormal rapid heart rate (9%)

Abnormal rapid heart rate (9%)

Neurocognitive dysfunction

Neurocognitive dysfunction

Chest pain

Chest pain

Vertigo

Vertigo

RARE

Circulatory shock/advanced heart failure (2%)

Circulatory shock/advanced heart failure (2%)

Fainting (0-3%)

Fainting (0-3%)

Spoon-shaped finger nails

Spoon-shaped finger nails

Difficulty swallowing (<0-1%)

Difficulty swallowing (<0-1%)

References:

  • 18 Lopez, et al. Iron Deficiency Anaemia. www.thelancet.com Vol 387 February 27, 2016

ASC Reference No. P120P062521SS. If symptoms persist, consult your doctor.

If symptoms persist, consult your doctor. ASC Reference No.: P170P062921SS