Symptoms
- Fatigue and weakness
- Pale skin or nail beds
- Breathlessness on exertion
- Headaches
- Craving ice or unusual foods (pica)
Iron deficiency anaemia
Low iron causes tiredness, breathlessness and pale skin — common in menstruating women and after blood loss. Needs blood tests to confirm before treatment.
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Why it happens
Heavy periods, pregnancy, poor dietary intake, coeliac disease, or slow blood loss from the gut. Men and post-menopausal women need investigation if iron is low.
Treatment
Iron tablets after confirmed deficiency — with investigation of underlying cause via GP. Online blood tests can check levels before GP review.
Self-care that helps
Iron-rich diet (red meat, pulses, leafy greens) with vitamin C to aid absorption; avoid tea with meals.
When to get help
Black stools, significant blood loss, fainting or iron deficiency in men — urgent GP assessment.
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