Among the cognitive impairments caused by iron deficiency, those referring to attention span, intelligence, and sensory perception functions are mainly cited, as well as those associated with emotions and behavior, often directly related to the presence of iron deficiency anemia.
The anemia not only negatively affects physical function but also the cognition, mood, and quality of life in adult patients due to hypoxic condition as per its severity.
Iron is an essential element in brain metabolism. Iron deficiency can cause changes in neurotransmitter homeostasis, decrease myelin production, impair synaptogenesis, and decline the function of the basal ganglia.
When your body isn't getting enough oxygenation due to a lack of iron, you may find it hard to maintain focus and carry out your daily tasks. In addition, you may experience mood swings and irritability. Over time, in some cases, it may cause anxiety and depression. So, all these problems are interrelated.”
Overall, the studies suggest a modest positive effect of iron supplementation on cognition and psychomotor outcomes in anemic infants and children after supplementation periods of at least 2 months of duration.
People with low iron levels in their blood, a condition known as anaemia, are thought to be more at risk of developing problems with thinking, communication, understanding and memory.
Researchers suggest iron deficiency could exacerbate mental health conditions such as depression and anxiety. A low ferritin test result, indicating iron deficiency, calls for an increase in dietary iron and potentially supplements, under professional guidance.
Low ferritin levels in childhood have been reported to affect the development of the central nervous system, leading to mental retardation and behavioral disorders.
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. Depression can occur in association with iron deficiency.
Anemia was established to be associated with a decline in cognitive functions between older patients > 65 years old [7,9]. Anemia can cause cerebral anemia, ischemia, cognitive disorders, and dementia, especially in patients with end-stage renal disease (ESRD) [7].
Without sufficient levels of iron, the body lacks oxygen and struggles to carry out basic daily activities. The most common symptoms of anemia are fatigue and an inability to focus.
Severe iron deficiency anaemia may increase your risk of developing complications that affect the heart or lungs, such as an abnormally fast heartbeat (tachycardia) or heart failure, where your heart is unable to pump enough blood around your body at the right pressure.
Now, just as you're savoring your successes, the latest research suggests that low levels of iron can worsen attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) symptoms. You know how important iron is to the body, carrying oxygen to the muscles and organs.
Less common symptoms of iron deficiency anaemia (that are not usually connected to pregnancy) include: headaches. hearing ringing, buzzing or hissing noises inside your head (tinnitus) food tasting strange.
If left untreated, iron-deficiency anemia can cause serious health problems. Having too little oxygen in the body can damage organs. With anemia, the heart must work harder to make up for the lack of red blood cells or hemoglobin. This extra work can harm the heart.
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.
Inhibitors of iron absorption include phytate, which is a compound found in plant-based diets that demonstrate a dose-dependent effect on iron absorption. Polyphenols are found in black and herbal tea, coffee, wine, legumes, cereals, fruit, and vegetables and have been demonstrated to inhibit iron absorption.
Fatigue — feeling too tired to manage your activities — is the most noticeable anemia symptom. Other symptoms may include: Shortness of breath (dyspnea): This is the feeling you can't catch your breath or take a deep breath. Dizziness: This is feeling lightheaded or unsteady on your feet.
If you have anemia, your body does not get enough oxygen-rich blood. The lack of oxygen can make you feel tired or weak. You may also have shortness of breath, dizziness, headaches, or an irregular heartbeat.
Low iron levels can lead to #Irondeficiency which puts you at risk of a condition known as iron deficiency anaemia, where the number of healthy red blood cells in your body is reduced. Its the low iron that causes the symptoms and brain fog is common associated with anxiety and inability to cope.
Chest Pains and Palpitations
When there's a low level of oxygen in the blood, the heart works extra hard to compensate. This puts a lot of pressure on the heart, which can cause it to beat faster, irregularly, and experience pain. Untreated anemia can exacerbate underlying cardiovascular issues.