Iron deficiency is a very common problem among people, particularly since iron is a crucial nutrient required by the body. It is required for keeping the level of red blood cells adequate, for healthy functioning. Iron is also needed to make hemoglobin, which the body uses to carry oxygen to all other parts. Lack of iron would result in anemia, which is one of the most common deficiencies worldwide.

In order to find a solution to this problem, diagnosing it is important. Following are some of the most common signs of iron deficiency that you should watch out for:

Unusual tiredness
While tiredness may be a sign of many things, unusual tiredness is often one of the biggest characteristics of iron deficiency. It affects over 50% of those suffering from the deficiency. This is due to the lack of hemoglobin. Also, since this is a usual symptom in our hectic lives, you would need to match it with more symptoms to ensure that you are suffering from iron deficiency

Paleness
Paleness is another sign that is accompanied by major iron deficiency. The skin becomes really pale, especially near the lower eyelids. The usual rosy color, which is there in the skin, is lost due to this particular problem. For some people, paleness may occur in only one area, but for others, it may be prominent all across the body. Some of the singular areas where this can be seen mostly include the gums, face, and the area inside the lips. While this would often be a part of your diagnosis, iron deficiency would only be confirmed with a proper blood test.

Shortness of breath
Hemoglobin inside the red blood cells is the reason why the body gets oxygen, and we are able to breathe properly. As established, one of the most common side effects of iron deficiency is the lack of hemoglobin. Hence, it can be characterized by real shortness of breath. The muscles start to experience a lack of oxygen and, hence, this symptom becomes a really common one. So, in case you experience this, especially during your daily tasks, such as walking and climbing the stairs, it is definitely a sign that you need to be careful about.

Heart palpitations
Heart palpitations is another common symptom of iron deficiency. Hemoglobin is a protein in the red blood cells, which help in transportation of oxygen around the whole body. The low levels of hemoglobin are extremely difficult to deal with. The heart needs to work extremely hard for the passage of oxygen. This leads to irregularity in the heartbeat, or even in the abnormal beating of the heart. Sometimes, it can even result in enlargement of the heart; however, this happens in very rare cases.

If any of the aforementioned signs and symptoms of iron deficiency occur, then it is advised that you consult a doctor immediately.