Ten signs you might have iron deficiency

Iron deficiency is a common problem for runners. Though it may not seem like it, iron deficiency can be thought of as an injury, as it has the ability to be extremely detrimental to goal races. Women are particularly at risk, due to blood loss through menstruation. Vegetarians are also at an increased risk for iron deficiency, as meat is a main iron-rich food source. If you’re a female, vegetarian runner, you should definitely be keeping an eye on ferritin and hemoglobin levels.

For more information on the science behind iron, in relation to running, check this out.

1) Fatigue

This is the number one symptom associated with iron deficiency. You know the I-can’t-get-out-of-bed feeling that we all get after a late night? Iron deficiency is akin to dealing with that every morning, despite having a full night of rest.

2) Chills

When you iron is low, your body has a harder time keeping itself warm. If you find yourself perpetually cold, especially in your hands in feet, it may be a sign of deficiency.

3) Paleness

Look like you could join the Adams family? Unusual pallor is associated with low iron.

4) Headaches/difficulty focusing

Students and those with jobs that require concentration often notice this as a symptom iron deficiency. Gradually, your usual shift at the library or the office becomes increasingly harder. Student athletes sometimes notice a decline in grades in correspondence with a decline in ferritin levels.

5) Shortness of breath

Are you a frequent runner, but seem to get out of breath from a trip up the stairs? Unusual shortness of breath during activities that normally would not leave one feeling exerted can be a sign of deficiency.

6)Lightheadedness/dizziness

These symptoms usually go hand in hand (or head in head, I guess?) with lack of focus.

7) Brittle nails

Though often overlooked, hair and nails are an amazing barometer for the body’s overall health. Those with iron deficiency often notice their nails breaking more easily that usual, or a grooved pattern in the middle of the nail.

8) Thinning hair

You may find your full head of hair becoming thinner and thinner, with seemingly no explanation. Since this happens so gradually, you may not notice until it’s already happened. As weird as it may seem, runners may want to consider asking their hair dresser how the quality of their hair feels each time they get a cut. Since your hairdresser only sees you every few months, they may be a better judge of whether there has been change.

9) Frequent infections

If you seem to be getting sick more often than usual, you may need to get your iron checked. However, there are lots of reasons why one’s immune system may be suppressed, therefore this should only be considered a symptom if one exhibits other symptoms as well.

10) Strange cravings

The craving for odd, ‘non-food’ items, such as ice, can be a sign of iron deficiency. One of the more common cravings associated with iron deficiency is the one to chew ice or frozen foods. You if find yourself eating frozen foods without thawing them or chewing on ice cubes, it could be a sign you’re low on iron.

Of course, all of these symptoms are also associated with other ailments and conditions, so don’t rush to start taking iron supplements; too much iron, though less common, can be as dangerous as not enough. If you think you may have an iron deficiency, don’t self-diagnose. Talk to your doctor about it and ask to have your blood tested.