The most common symptom of iron deficiency anemia is fatigue, which can have a negative effect on the ability to perform daily activities and functions. Other possible symptoms include dizziness, balance disturbances, headache, mild shortness of breath, abnormal heartbeat, mild depression and irritation, decreased cognitive performance affecting concentration, memory and learning, soreness of the tongue, impaired sexual functioning, impaired vision, and feeling cold.1
Pica, an unusual eating behavior in which an individual develops an appetite for non-nutritive substances such as clay or ice can be a sign of iron deficiency anemia.2
These symptoms tend to arise from reduced oxygen supply to body systems when iron deficiency has led to anemia.1,3
1. Haas JD, et al. J Nutr. 2001;131(2S-2):676S-690S
2. Miller JL. Cold Spring Harb Perspect Med. 2013;3(7)
3. Ebner N, et al. Card Fail Rev. 2019;5(3):173-175
