Did you know that according to the CDC about 9% of women have an iron deficiency, and that you’re even more likely to be at risk if you are an active woman? You may want to pay attention if you have any of these nine signs you may be at risk!
Fatigue
Feeling tired? According to Vanderbilt Center for Integrative Health nurse practitioner Blair Morriss, “the body uses iron to make hemoglobin, the substance in red blood cells that carries oxygen.” Exhaustion is a symptom of your body not producing enough healthy blood cells.
Difficulty Focusing
Unfocused? Morriss explains that, “neurotransmitter synthesis may be altered in people with an iron deficiency.” This can lead to functionality issues.
Apathy
Feeling overly apathetic? If you are feeling apathy toward anything and everything – friends, family, work – you may need to look into your iron levels.
Breathlessness
Short of breath? According to Kimberly Mueller, R.D., owner of Fuel Factor Nutrition Coaching, “Without enough iron in the blood, the body becomes starved of oxygen.”