The doctor discussed the symptoms associated with iron deficiency, including shortness of breath, brittle nails and restless legs
Dr Amir Khan has highlighted the most frequent signs he sees in patients who are iron deficient. This condition arises when the body lacks sufficient iron to fulfil its requirements.
Iron deficiency can result in iron-deficiency anaemia, which is characterised by a reduction in haemoglobin or red blood cells in the blood. Heavy menstrual cycles and pregnancy are among the most common causes of iron deficiency anaemia.
Another prevalent cause of iron deficiency anaemia is bleeding in the stomach and intestines. This can be triggered by the use of non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) like ibuprofen and aspirin, stomach ulcers, inflammation of the bowel or oesophagus, piles or cancers of the bowel or stomach – although this is less common.
Any other conditions or activities that result in blood loss could also lead to iron deficiency anaemia. Dr Amir Khan, a full-time GP renowned for his appearances on TV programmes such as Lorraine and Good Morning Britain, has posted a video on TikTok outlining the symptoms of iron deficiency.
The caption of the clip stated: “Iron deficiency is one of the most common blood disorders, there are many symptoms but here are 5 symptoms which may suggest you could be low in iron,” reports the Mirror.
In the three-minute video, Dr Amir Khan explained: “Iron deficiency anaemia is the most common type of anaemia. It happens when your body doesn’t have enough iron to make haemoglobin.
“Now, that’s the substance in your red blood cells that allows them to carry oxygen throughout your body. Now, normally, your body brings in a steady flow of iron from the food that you eat.
“Your body stores excess iron so it’s available as needed to make haemoglobin. But if you are not getting enough iron, or it’s being lost faster than it’s being replaced, you will become deficient in iron. There are lots of different causes, but common ones include not getting enough iron in your diet, losing it through things like heavy periods. Ladies, heavy periods are not normal. Get them sorted with your clinician.
“Your body stores excess iron so it’s available as needed to make haemoglobin. But if you are not getting enough iron, or it’s being lost faster than it’s being replaced, you will become deficient in iron.There are lots of different causes, but common ones include not getting enough iron in your diet, losing it through things like heavy periods. Ladies, heavy periods are not normal. Get them sorted with your clinician.
“Got illnesses like celiac disease and inflammatory bowel disease, and in some cases iron deficiency anaemia can be a sign of underlying cancer. But here are five signs and symptoms you may be iron deficient.”
He added: “Number one, tiredness. Now, remember, iron helps your body make the red pigment in your blood that carries oxygen to all your organs. If you don’t have enough iron, you won’t be able to carry as much oxygen around your body, depriving it of vital energy, making you tired.
“Number two, shortness of breath and chest pain. Now, when haemoglobin, the red pigment in your blood cells, are low, with iron deficiency, oxygen levels are typically low.
“This means that your muscles won’t receive enough oxygen to do everyday activities such as walking. As a result, breathing rate will increase as your body tries to get more oxygen in, resulting in shortness of breath.
“Your heart is also working harder to put more oxygen you have around your body, and an unhappy, hard working heart will tell you it’s unhappy by giving you chest pain.
“Number three, you have cracks in the corners of your mouth, here and here. Iron also plays a key role in skin health and wound healing, and if you are low, you can get sores in the corners of your mouth. This is called angular cheilitis.
“Number four, your nails are brittle or spoon shaped. This condition is called Koilonychia. Your nails look concave like spoons instead of growing flat.
“And number five, restless legs. Iron deficiency can lead to restless leg syndrome as it can drop dopamine in your blood. This condition involves a strong urge to move your legs while they’re at rest, or it may cause unpleasant crawling or itching sensations in your feet and legs.
“It’s usually worse at night and can make it difficult to sleep. There are, of course, other causes for restless legs, but iron deficiency is one of them.”
The medic suggested various food sources to boost iron intake, saying: “Now, good sources of iron in our food include liver or red meat, shellfish, or if you’re vegetarian, legumes and pumpkin seeds are great. But if you’re worried about iron deficiency anaemia, always speak to a healthcare professional.”
