Cold Hands And Brittle Nails? Could Be Undiagnosed Sign Of Iron Deficiency

I remember sitting at my desk one afternoon, struggling to focus on a simple task. My thoughts were clouded, and I felt unusually exhausted, despite having slept well the previous night. I shrugged it off, blaming work stress and a busy schedule. But as the days went on, the fatigue became more pronounced. I realized something deeper might be at play.

After visiting my doctor, the culprit was clear: I had iron deficiency.

Feeling tired, irritable, or having trouble concentrating are all subtle signs that may point to an iron deficiency. According to the World Health Organization (WHO), iron deficiency is the most widespread nutritional disorder globally, affecting people in both developed and developing nations. But, despite its prevalence, many remain unaware they are affected because symptoms often mimic general tiredness or stress.

WHO estimates that over 30% of the global population is anaemic, with many cases stemming from iron deficiency. This condition can worsen, especially in developing countries where infectious diseases can exacerbate iron depletion. Iron deficiency, when left unaddressed, can progress into iron deficiency anaemia, a condition where haemoglobin levels drop significantly.

Haemoglobin is the protein in red blood cells responsible for transporting oxygen from the lungs to the rest of the body. Without enough of it, the body's oxygen supply diminishes, resulting in symptoms like fatigue, weakness, and shortness of breath.

Iron is vital for the production of red blood cells, which transport oxygen throughout the body. Without adequate iron, the body is at risk of developing anaemia, and people may experience persistent fatigue, weakness, and a range of other symptoms. Yet, many cases of iron deficiency can be managed or even prevented with simple dietary changes.

Iron-rich foods are key to maintaining optimal health. Red meat, particularly darker cuts like beef or lamb, is an excellent source of haem iron, the type of iron most easily absorbed by the body. In contrast, non-haem iron, found in plant-based foods, isn't absorbed as efficiently.

This is why experts recommend combining iron-rich plant foods like spinach, lentils, and fortified cereals with vitamin C-rich foods like citrus fruits, which enhance iron absorption.

One common dietary habit to avoid is consuming tea with meals. The tannins in tea can inhibit iron absorption, so it’s better to enjoy tea between meals.

Pregnant and breastfeeding women, in particular, should ensure they consume two servings of iron-rich foods per day. These servings might include lean red meat, poultry, seafood, eggs, or legumes, as advised by health professionals.

A significant factor contributing to iron deficiency in women, especially adolescents, is menstruation. Dr. Angela Weyand, an associate professor at the University of Michigan Medical School, points out in a Mirror report, that menstruation can drastically reduce iron stores in the body.

Young girls, in particular, may struggle with concentration in school due to undiagnosed iron deficiency, impacting their educational performance.

Heavier periods can be an additional challenge, as explained by Dr. Rachel Bercovitz of Northwestern University in a Mirror report. She notes that if a woman is changing her tampon or pad more frequently than every four to six hours, this could indicate heavy menstrual bleeding, which may further deplete iron levels.

In fact, a study conducted by the University of Michigan Medical School found that six percent of young girls aged 12 to 21 had iron-deficiency anaemia. Problems such as 'brain fog' and difficulty concentrating, which many women attribute to general fatigue, could very well be linked to low iron levels. Weyand believes these findings are only the "tip of the iceberg."

Despite its widespread occurrence, iron deficiency often goes undiagnosed. One reason is that routine blood tests commonly screen for anaemia rather than directly measuring ferritin, a protein that stores iron in the blood. Ferritin tests can reveal hidden deficiencies before they become severe. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) recommends women of reproductive age have their iron levels checked at least once a decade.

For those who are deficient, iron supplementation may be necessary but should only be done under medical supervision. Over-the-counter supplements can be risky if not taken correctly, especially during pregnancy or breastfeeding.

Preventing iron deficiency doesn’t have to be complicated. Incorporating iron-rich foods into your daily diet is a simple yet effective strategy. The CDC suggests adding the following foods to your meals to boost iron levels:

- Red meat (beef, pork, lamb, or venison)

- Seafood (fatty fish like salmon)

- Poultry (chicken or turkey)

- Eggs

These foods provide "heme" iron, which is more readily absorbed by the body. For those on a plant-based diet, non-heme iron sources such as lentils, beans, and iron-fortified cereals should be consumed with vitamin C-rich foods to increase absorption.

Iron deficiency is more than just a source of fatigue—it can have serious, long-term effects on your health. Being aware of the symptoms and maintaining a balanced diet with iron-rich foods can help keep your energy levels high and prevent complications.

If you suspect an iron deficiency, it's essential to speak to a healthcare provider and get a blood test to check your levels. With the right approach, you can easily restore and maintain healthy iron levels.