Iron deficiency is one of the most widespread nutritional deficiencies around the world, affecting millions of people—especially women, children, and those with certain health conditions. Despite its prevalence, it often goes undiagnosed because the symptoms can be subtle or mistaken for other issues like stress, lack of sleep, or aging. Iron plays a critical role in the production of hemoglobin, a protein in red blood cells that carries oxygen throughout the body. Without enough iron, your body can’t produce healthy red blood cells, leading to fatigue, weakened immunity, and more.
Dr. Janine Bowring, ND, a naturopathic doctor and wellness expert, recently shared six of the ‘most common’ warning signs that could mean you’re low in this essential mineral—and why it’s important not to ignore them.
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1. Hair Loss and Broken Hair
“If your hair is falling out a lot in the shower or you’re noticing excess hair in your brush, it could be because of low iron,” says Dr. Bowring. Weak, brittle, or broken hair is often an early sign your body isn’t getting enough of this key nutrient.
2. Cracked Lips—Especially at the Corners
Those painful, irritated cracks in the corners of your mouth? They may be more than just dry skin. “If you get those corners of the mouth and really get that irritation and cracking happening here, that can be because of low iron,” explains Dr. Bowring.
3. Gastrointestinal Issues
Iron levels can affect digestion too. “Heartburn and complaints in your GI tract can be related to low iron as well,” she adds. If you're frequently dealing with digestive discomfort, it may be worth checking your iron status.
4. Pale or Dry Skin, and Feeling Cold
Your skin can also signal trouble. “Look at your skin—is it very pale? Are you ghost-like? Do you have dry skin? Do you feel cold all the time?” Dr. Bowring asks. These symptoms may suggest that your body isn’t producing enough healthy red blood cells due to iron deficiency.
5. Frequent Headaches or Dizziness
When iron levels are low, the body struggles to transport enough oxygen to the brain. This can lead to frequent headaches, lightheadedness, or a dizzy feeling, especially when standing up quickly. These symptoms are your body’s way of signaling that it's not getting the oxygen it needs to function properly.
6. Shortness of Breath or Rapid Heartbeat
Iron deficiency can impact your body’s ability to produce hemoglobin, the protein in red blood cells that carries oxygen. As a result, your heart may have to work harder to deliver oxygen, causing symptoms like shortness of breath, especially during light activity, or an unusually fast heartbeat even when at rest.
The bottom line
If you suspect you're low in iron, Dr. Bowring recommends supplementing wisely: “Always make sure that it’s a bisglycinate. This is really easy on the stomach, it’s non-constipating, and you want to find a whole food complex so that you get that proper absorption without any negative side effects.”
