Feeling lightheaded or unusually tired lately? It can happen to most of us now and then, but if it’s happening frequently, iron deficiency might be the reason. Since iron plays a crucial role in oxygen circulation, low levels can leave you feeling weak and tired.
Why Does Iron Deficiency Make You Dizzy?
Iron plays an important role in your body to make haemoglobin, the protein in red blood cells that carries oxygen. When you don’t have enough iron, your body can struggle to get oxygen where it needs to go – especially to your brain. That’s why tiredness is such a common symptom of iron deficiency.
Without enough iron, your body can’t produce enough haemoglobin. As a result, iron deficiency may leave you tired and even short of breath.
Who is Most at Risk?
Iron deficiency can affect anyone, but some groups are more prone including:
- People with heavy periods
- Pregnant individuals (your body needs more iron during pregnancy)
- Those with low-iron diets
- People with conditions that affect iron absorption (like coeliac disease)
- Athletes, especially runners, who lose iron through sweat
If you’re in one of these groups and feeling lightheaded and tiredness, it might be time to check your iron levels.
Other Symptoms to Watch For
Tiredness isn’t the only sign of iron deficiency. Several other symptoms may indicate low iron levels, affecting overall energy, circulation, and oxygen delivery in the body. These include:
- Persistent Fatigue – Dizziness or light-head or struggling to complete daily tasks.
- Pale or dull skin tone – reduced haemoglobin levels can make the skin appear paler than usual, especially around the face, inner eyelids, and lips.
- Shortness of breath, even with mild activity – feeling winded after climbing stairs or doing light exercise due to reduced oxygen flow in the bloodstream.
- Brittle nails and thinning hair – nails may become weak, break easily, or develop ridges, while hair may shed more than usual.
- Cold hands and feet – poor circulation caused by low iron levels can lead to a constant feeling of cold, even in warm environments.
Experiencing a mix of these symptoms? It’s a good idea to talk to a doctor.
How to Boost Your Iron Levels
The good news? If your dizziness or other symptoms are linked to low iron, there are simple ways to increase your levels.
Eat More Iron-Rich Foods
One of the easiest ways to fix low iron is through food. Some of the best sources include:
- Red meat, chicken, and fish
- Leafy greens like spinach and kale
- Lentils, beans, and chickpeas
- Tofu and fortified cereals
- Nuts, seeds, and dried fruits (like apricots and raisins)
Pair Iron with Vitamin C for better absorption
Your body absorbs iron better when you eat it with vitamin C. Try pairing iron-rich foods with citrus fruits, bell peppers, strawberries, or tomatoes.
Consider Iron Supplements
If changing your diet isn’t enough, supplements can help. A doctor or pharmacist can recommend the right dosage based on your needs. Just be sure to take them as directed as taking too much iron can cause digestive issues.
Cut Back on Iron Blockers
Certain foods and drinks can make it harder for your body to absorb iron. These include:
- Coffee and tea
- Dairy (like milk and cheese)
- High-calcium foods
If you’re boosting your iron, try to avoid these at mealtime.
When to See a Doctor
If tiredness is happening regularly, don’t ignore it. While iron deficiency is one possible reason, other conditions like poor sleep, unhealthy diets, and lack of exercise, as well as medical conditions, or certain medications could also be the cause. A blood test can determine if low iron is the culprit and help you get the right treatment.
Final Thoughts
While low iron can leave you feeling constantly tired, it’s not the only possible cause. Low blood pressure can also contribute to that drained, lightheaded feeling. Staying hydrated, eating well-balanced meals, and avoiding long gaps between eating can help support healthy energy levels. If symptoms persist, a quick blood test can help determine whether iron level or something else might be to blame. Chemists’ Own PROCHECK Ferritin Rapid Test is a quick, accurate and easy to use test to screen and monitor your Ferritin levels at home.
The key? Listen to your body! If something feels off, check in with a doctor to get to the root of the issue. Chemists’ Own PROCHECK Ferritin Rapid Test measures a blood protein that contains iron. It shows whether your blood has too much or too little iron.
Always read the label and follow the directions for use.
Reference:
https://www.healthline.com/nutrition/iron-deficiency-signs-symptoms