4 signs of iron deficiency

Iron is one of the most important nutrients you can consume, and without enough of it, your health may suffer. Iron deficiencies are easily treatable, but it's important to recognize the symptoms as soon as they occur.

Fatigue is one of the most common signs that you're not getting enough iron. Your body uses haemoglobin, the protein molecule in your red blood cells, to transport oxygen from your lungs to your tissues.

You'll start to feel tired if your blood can't transport oxygen correctly because if it doesn't contain enough iron. Fatigue from anaemia is constant, and you'll feel tired and run down despite adequate rest and getting a good night's sleep.

Muscle recovery is one of the most important functions of iron. When you exercise, walk or run, or lift something, slight damage to your muscles can occur. Iron helps repair damage that occurred when you moved your muscles, which makes you a stronger and fitter person.

Without enough iron, your muscles will feel tired for seemingly no reason. Tough workouts that take a toll on the muscles may render you so sore you can't exercise again for days.

Your urine may appear pink or red if you're suffering from severe anaemia. This occurs only when a person eats red or pink food. The change in urine colour happens because there's not enough iron in the digestive system to absorb certain pigments.

While most people experience red or pink urine from time to time after eating certain foods, like beets, people with anaemia may experience coloured urine frequently after eating bright red or pink foods.

The body does a good job taking care of itself, so when your diet is lacking in iron, your body responds with cravings for certain types of foods or substances. Many people who have iron deficiencies have strange and strong cravings for things like dirt, ice or starchy foods. Cravings occur when your body searches for a way to replenish its iron sources.

If you're experiencing an iron deficiency, it's usually easy to replenish the supply of iron in your blood. Try eating foods that are high in iron, such as red meat, pork, poultry, seafood, beans, dark green vegetables like spinach, or cereals or other foods that are fortified with iron.