Low iron intake resulting from diet and accelerated iron loss, which occurs through bleeding or breastfeeding, are the main causes of iron deficiency. The first symptoms of iron deficiency anemia tend to be neurological resulting in brain fog and fatigue.
Excessive tiredness is one of the first iron deficiency symptoms to appear. The fatigue can come in both physical and mental forms, with breathlessness, a lack of energy, and 'brain fog' all common variations.
Iron deficiency anemia caused by severe iron deficiency in infancy is associated with poor health and severe neurological impairment such as mental, motor, social, emotional, neurophysiological, and neurocognitive dysfunction.
Brain iron deficiency is associated with disruption of neurophysiological mechanisms that, within a social context that does not provide regular stimuli, compromises motor and cognitive development (e.g., impaired motor sequencing and bi-manual coordination, poor executive function, attention, and memory).
Research suggests a connection between low iron levels and symptoms of depression, anxiety, and schizophrenia, Levin and Gattari write.
Iron deficiency can cause problems such as fatigue, poor concentration and anaemia. The best treatment for iron deficiency depends on the cause. Treatments may include eating foods high in iron, eating foods high in vitamin C to help iron absorption, or taking iron supplements.
Anemia and mental health
According to a study published in Neuropsychiatric Disease and Treatment , anemia can affect a person's mental health, causing psychiatric symptoms such as depression and cognitive function disorders.
What is brain fog syndrome? Brain fog is characterized by confusion, forgetfulness, and a lack of focus and mental clarity. This can be caused by overworking, lack of sleep, stress, and spending too much time on the computer.
Not all vitamins and minerals are crucial for brain health and function. If you're experiencing constant brain fog or you're always tired, it's worth checking your diet for four in particular: vitamin B12, vitamin D, iron and magnesium.
Brain fog can be a symptom of many illnesses, such as COVID-19 and autoimmune diseases like celiac disease, chronic fatigue syndrome, fibromyalgia, and multiple sclerosis. However, it also occurs due to lifestyle factors, such as stress, burnout, lack of sleep, and hormonal changes during pregnancy and menopause.
Cognitive delays
Commonly referred to as brain fog, slow cognition or difficulty with concentration and memory can all indicate magnesium deficiency. Magnesium is an essential nutrient for the brain, so without it the brain cannot perform as well.
While spacing out can simply be a sign that you are sleep deprived, stressed, or distracted, it can also be due to a transient ischemic attack, seizure, hypotension, hypoglycemia, migraine, transient global amnesia, fatigue, narcolepsy, or drug misuse.
Anxiety, depression and stress.
Your brain is a computer, and when you have ongoing anxiety, depression and stress, it can really bog down your system and memory. And with stressors like COVID-19 constantly on the brain, it may be difficult to focus on work or even household tasks.
No matter your age, persistent symptoms of brain fog should be taken seriously. If you're struggling with your thinking or memory, now is the time to seek an evaluation. Finding the root cause of your cognitive problems can help you find the right treatment plan.
Iron is involved in many neurological activities and deficiency is associated with anxiety and depressive symptoms as well as developmental problems [2, 10]. In the present study, iron supplementation was shown to mitigate the risk of psychiatric disorders.
While too little vitamin D can cause brain fog, weakness, and frequent infections, taking too much in supplement form (overdosing on vitamins from food is unlikely) can cause dangerous adverse effects, including kidney failure, she explained.
Possible culprit: A vitamin or mineral deficiency
One possible reason for feeling tired, anxious, and weak is having low levels of iron, vitamin D, or B12. Many experts believe that a significant percentage of the U.S. population is deficient in vitamin D.
Answer From Daniel K. Hall-Flavin, M.D. Vitamin B-12 and other B vitamins play a role in producing brain chemicals that affect mood and other brain functions. Low levels of B-12 and other B vitamins such as vitamin B-6 and folate may be linked to depression.
Diagnostic tests your healthcare provider may utilize include: Blood tests to understand possible brain fog causes (e.g., vitamin B12, COVID-19 antibody test, or thyroid stimulating hormone). Brain imaging tests, like magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), to evaluate for neurological conditions.
When it comes to brain health, focus on the three B's : vitamins B6, B12, and B9 (folate). “These three types of B vitamins are necessary for the brain's normal functioning,” says Dr. Agarwal, “and any deficiency in them may increase the risk of memory loss and other forms of cognitive decline.”
Magnesium threonate is effective for cognitive and mental health conditions, like brain fog, mood disorders, migraines, and cognitive decline. Magnesium citramate is a combination of magnesium citrate and magnesium malate.