Iron deficiency anemia (IDA) is associated with decreased appetite. The
Iron is the one mineral that humans can't excrete, so the more iron that is consumed the greater the likelihood that leptin levels will drop, resulting in increased appetite and the potential to overeat.
You may also find that low iron causes weight gain. There are a couple of reasons for this; firstly, your energy levels are low and so your exercise levels reduce; secondly, iron is essential for thyroid function, and an underactive thyroid will lead to weight gain.
Craving and chewing ice (pagophagia) is often associated with iron deficiency, with or without anemia, although the reason is unclear. At least one study indicates that ice chewing might increase alertness in people with iron deficiency anemia.
An iron deficiency will leave you with very low energy and may be a reason for your sugar cravings because the body will crave quick energy to boost itself up. Iron supplements may help fight fatigue and other symptoms of iron deficiency.
As we've mentioned, low iron can impact your thyroid hormone and metabolism, so when you start absorbing more iron, these processes improve and your body's ability to burn calories will resume.
Weight gain related to iron therapy is a common problem in female patients with iron deficiency anemia. Patients under iron therapy should be counseled in terms of weight gain complication and benefits of diet and followed up serum ferritin and Hgb levels to prevent prolonged iron therapy.
A large 2020 study in BMC Psychiatry found that people with iron deficiency anemia had a significantly higher incidence and risk of anxiety disorders, depression, sleep disorder, and psychotic disorders.
Magnesium deficiency can cause loss of appetite, nausea and vomiting, fatigue, and weakness, according to the Cleveland Clinic. In more severe cases, it may also lead to numbness and tingling, muscle cramps or contractions, seizures, irregular heart rhythms, personality changes, or coronary spasms.
Not only does anemia reduce your energy levels, but it can also affect the way you think and feel. Anemia, particularly the iron deficiency kind, has been linked to mental health conditions like depression and anxiety.
Anemia is associated with poorer sleep in children, and clinically, anemia is linked to insomnia. However, the association between anemia and insomnia in older adults is understudied.
Specifically, iron plays an important role in how your body makes the neurotransmitters called serotonin, dopamine and norepinephrine – all of them important in mental health. Research suggests a connection between low iron levels and symptoms of depression, anxiety, and schizophrenia, Levin and Gattari write.
Yes, there is a strong connection between iron deficiency and mood swings. "Iron deficiency can lead to cognitive issues in children. In adults, it has been associated with mood disorders and anxiety disorders, fogginess in thinking.
In healthy people, taking high doses of iron supplements (especially on an empty stomach) can cause an upset stomach, constipation, nausea, abdominal pain, vomiting, and diarrhea. Large amounts of iron might also cause more serious effects, including inflammation of the stomach lining and ulcers.
Low iron means low energy, potentially leading to burning fewer calories and therefore forcing you to continue to lower your calorie intake to lose weight. That would be the primary way low iron effects fat/weight loss. Keep this in mind: take in fewer calories than you burn and you will always lose weight.
What does the headache feel like? The type of headache a person experiences as a result of iron-deficiency anemia can vary. Some people will experience a dull aching sensation throughout their head. They may also feel lightheaded or dizzy.
Cocoa is really nutrient dense with magnesium, iron and fiber. If you follow a plant-based diet, you might be craving chocolate if you're anemic or low in iron. Chocolate has a small amount of iron, but it's easy for your body to access.
Eye symptoms of low iron can include a pale coloring of the inside of the lower eyelids. In moderate or severe cases of iron deficiency anemia, the inside layer of the lower eyelid is very pale pink or yellow instead of red. Rather than low iron, one common cause of blurry vision is dry eye.
Red meat cravings generally occur due to an iron deficiency. In these instances, people may feel tired and weak, and their immune systems may be more prone to infection and disease than ever before. If you face a red meat craving, consume beans, legumes and dried fruit.
Tea, coffee and wine contain tannins that reduce iron absorption by binding to the iron and carrying it out of the body. Phytates and fibres found in wholegrains such as bran can reduce the absorption of iron and other minerals.
Babies are born with iron stored in their bodies. Because they grow rapidly, infants and toddlers need to absorb a lot of iron each day. Iron deficiency anemia most commonly affects babies 9 through 24 months old. Breastfed babies need less iron because iron is absorbed better when it is in breast milk.