A GP has highlighted three lesser-known signs that could suggest you’re suffering from a vital mineral, and it’s not something to brush off. Dr Raj Arora, known on social media as @drrajarora, is urging people not to ignore these symptoms or put them down to other causes.
She points out: “You might be feeling more tired or lacking energy. This is a really common side effect of having low iron”. It’s easy to dismiss fatigue as a result of ageing, lack of sleep, or a busy lifestyle, but if you’re still exhausted even with ample rest, it might be time to delve deeper into the cause.
“Number two is shortness of breath”, she continues, explaining the vital role of iron in oxygen transportation: “Iron is a huge component in your red blood cells which carry oxygen around the body so if you have a low iron level, you may also be suffering from shortness of breath”.
The NHS warns that iron deficiency can lead to anaemia, particularly in women with heavy periods who may need iron supplements. Dr Arora also notes that heart issues can be a sign of low iron levels, stating: “Number three is heart palpitations. These are what we call noticeable heart beats.”
“You might feel a little flutter in the chest or you have an extra heartbeat or that your heart is not quite beating as you would expect it to. If you have this as a sign, you must speak to your doctor”, she cautions.
The NHS has also issued advice noting that if you experience such symptoms, it’s time to consult with your GP. This includes:
- they [heart palpitations] keep coming back or they’re getting worse
- they last longer than a few minutes
- you have a heart condition
- you have a history of heart problems in your family
But in more serious cases where symptoms are acute, its straight to A&E or dialling 999 that’s the next step, the health service says. However you must go to A&E or call 999 if you have heart palpitations and:
- chest pain
- shortness of breath
- feeling faint or fainting
How much iron do I need?
The amount of iron you need depends on your age and gender, The NHS recommends:
- 8.7mg a day for men aged 19 and over
- 14.8mg a day for women aged 19 to 49
- 8.7mg a day for women aged 50 and over
“Women having periods after the age of 50 may need the same amount of iron as women aged 19 to 49”, they add.
What food is iron in?
Good sources of iron include:
- liver (the NHS warns avoid this during pregnancy)
- red meat
- beans, such as red kidney beans, edamame beans and chickpeas
- nuts
- dried fruit – such as dried apricots
- fortified breakfast cereals
- soy bean flour