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Like so many things in life, iron deficiency symptoms can sneak up on you.
LEIBOVITZ ANNIE (AL STUDIO LLC)
For one, many of them are pretty general, so its easy to assume theyre something else.
And two, many of the symptoms can appear so gradually that you might not notice them at first.
But despite iron deficiencys sometimes elusive symptoms, the condition issurprisingly commonespecially among women.
Thats a pretty high numberunnecessarily so.
What does iron do?
Its essential to maintain a balanced iron level.
How much iron per day?
In general, women need more iron than men, and vegetarians need more iron than meat-eaters.
Who is at risk for iron deficiency?
What are the signs of iron deficiency?
Heres where things get tricky.
Worse, many of these symptoms arent even apparent, especially early on.
Some women with mild iron deficiency will have no symptoms at all, says Evans.
Still, there are a few tell-tale signs to look out for.
Our bodies can do some pretty weird things when were severely low in iron.
So, watch out for any tongue swelling, soreness, or changes in the way foods taste.
Therefore, havingweak and brittle nails, can definitely be a sign of a nutrient deficiency.
If no amount of lip balm or hydration seems to fix your chapped lips, beware.
Tresses looking thinner or less shiny than usual?
And, dont wait.
Luckily, treatment for iron deficiency is fairly routine.
For severe iron deficiency, your doctor may prescribeiron supplementsor intravenous iron therapy.
Which foods contain iron?
Some store-bought food products, like breakfast cereal and flour, are also fortified with iron.
Below, is a handy list of some of the most high iron whole foods.
For example, he recommends taking avitamin C supplementalong with your iron supplementespecially if you follow a plant-based diet.
