Iron, as an essential mineral for the human body to produce red blood cells, is of self-evident importance. It is estimated that as many as 1.5 billion people worldwide suffer from iron deficiency. And iron deficiency is the most common cause of anemia, which means that the human body cannot produce enough red blood cells to transport oxygen to tissues.

In the early stage of iron deficiency, there may be no symptoms. But over time, a series of symptoms will emerge. Fatigue, weakness, and shortness of breath are relatively common, and there may also be symptoms of pica, such as a craving for non-food items like ice, clay, chalk, and paper, as well as changes in the health of nails and hair.

Red blood cells are responsible for transporting oxygen to body tissues. To ensure that the body has enough red blood cells to function normally, there must be sufficient iron in the body. Once there is iron deficiency, the number of red blood cells usually decreases, making it difficult for the blood to transport enough oxygen to other parts of the body, thus triggering a variety of symptoms. For example, fatigue lingers, dizziness or lightheadedness is uncomfortable, the body is weak and lacks energy, shortness of breath occurs even with a little activity, it is difficult to exercise, there is discomfort in the chest, headaches occur frequently, the skin becomes pale, palpitations happen often, and the hands and feet are always cold. It should be noted that some symptoms of iron-deficiency anemia are similar to those of other serious diseases. Symptoms like chest pain, shortness of breath, and palpitations may be signs of potential heart problems. If these symptoms occur suddenly, it is necessary to seek medical attention immediately for an accurate diagnosis.

In addition to the common symptoms, although less common, iron-deficiency anemia can also affect the skin, hair, nervous system, and immune system. Glossitis makes the tongue inflamed, accompanied by pain and swelling; koilonychia makes the nails fragile and spoon-shaped; restless legs syndrome makes it impossible to keep the legs still, especially at night, always wanting to move the legs or walk around; lack of oxygen also makes the hair weak and brittle and the skin feel dry; at the same time, iron deficiency can disrupt emotions and cause depressive moods.

For infants and children, the symptoms of iron deficiency are usually relatively mild. However, if not treated in a timely manner, iron-deficiency anemia may lead to developmental retardation. The symptoms include irritability, pale skin, feeding difficulties, shortness of breath, and a desire to eat non-food items.

During pregnancy, there are many similarities between pregnancy symptoms and iron-deficiency anemia. Sometimes, it is difficult to distinguish whether fatigue, shortness of breath, rapid heartbeat, or strange appetite is a normal pregnancy reaction or iron-deficiency anemia. The development of the fetus requires iron, which will consume the iron stored in the pregnant woman's body, and nausea or anorexia during pregnancy will limit the intake of iron in the diet. The American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists recommends a routine complete blood count (CBC) test in the early stage of pregnancy to screen for anemia. If there is concern about anemia in the later stage of pregnancy, a repeat blood cell count can be performed.

The symptoms of iron-deficiency anemia may appear gradually and are easily overlooked at first. But if a significant change in energy is noticed or relevant symptoms occur, it is necessary to see a doctor for a proper examination. The medical service provider will arrange laboratory tests to clarify the root cause of the symptoms. If symptoms such as chest pain, shortness of breath, palpitations, and dizziness occur suddenly, immediate medical attention is required.

In conclusion, iron is crucial for the human body. Insufficient iron in the body will restrict the production of red blood cells and weaken the ability of the blood to transport oxygen to body tissues. Iron-deficiency anemia can cause a series of symptoms such as fatigue, weakness, shortness of breath, and pale skin. These symptoms will interfere with daily life and reduce the quality of life. Therefore, once symptoms are detected and anemia testing is considered, it is best to consult a healthcare provider. Early diagnosis helps to start treatment as early as possible, relieve symptoms, and ensure good health.