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).
Headaches are a possible symptom of anemia. A 2022 study estimates that nearly 80% of people with iron deficiency anemia also experience headaches. Some experts believe that iron is involved in making serotonin, a chemical messenger in the body. People who experience migraine have altered serotonin levels.
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.
"If you actually ask women who have iron deficiency what their symptoms are, fatigue and tiredness is there but right at the top of the list is brain fog and that's what women described — it's the inability to think clearly," says Professor Toby Richards.
In many cases, mild iron deficiency anemia comes on so gradually that you may not even know you're anemic. Symptoms of mild anemia are subtle and include feeling grumpy, weak or tired more often than usual and getting headaches or perhaps having problems concentrating.
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.
Brain fog can feel similar to the effects of sleep deprivation or stress. It's not the same as dementia and does not mean structural damage to the brain. People usually recover from brain fog. You may get similar symptoms after other infections, a minor head injury or during the menopause.
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.
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.
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.
Children can appear unmotivated, apathetic and less physically fit. Anemic children have difficulty with tests and are more disruptive than their classmates. A child with nutrient deficiencies may be irritable, aggressive, disagreeable, or sad and withdrawn.
A deficiency may go unnoticed for a period of time. When symptoms appear, you may notice weakness, fatigue, skin paleness, fast heartbeat, dizziness, headaches, cold hands and feet, a sore tongue, and brittle nails, among others. However, there can be back and neck pain associated with iron deficiency.
Iron is lost from the body through sweat, shedding intestinal cells, and blood loss. About one third of the world's population is iron deficient.
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.
Brain fog can be a symptom of a nutrient deficiency, sleep disorder, bacterial overgrowth from overconsumption of sugar, depression, or even a thyroid condition. Other common brain fog causes include eating too much and too often, inactivity, not getting enough sleep, chronic stress, and a poor diet.
Depersonalization disorder is marked by periods of feeling disconnected or detached from one's body and thoughts (depersonalization). The disorder is sometimes described as feeling like you are observing yourself from outside your body or like being in a dream.
You may be experiencing mental fatigue. Mental fatigue is an all too common feeling these days. Uncertainty, high stress levels, and a demanding lifestyle are making our minds feel downright exhausted.
Various factors can cause the head to feel heavy, including balance disorders, muscle weakness, headaches, and a person's posture. In a neutral or upright position, the average adult head weighs between 10 and 12 pounds, according to the journal Surgical Technology International .
A sudden lack of energy and chronic fatigue are warning signs that you might be lacking enough iron. In order for all of the cells in your body to function efficiently, oxygen needs to be able to travel freely around the body.
Treatment for iron-deficiency anemia will depend on its cause and severity. Treatments may include dietary changes and supplements, medicines, and surgery. Severe iron-deficiency anemia may require a blood transfusion, iron injections, or intravenous (IV) iron therapy. Treatment may need to be done in a hospital.
In general, patients with iron deficient anemia should manifest a response to iron with reticulocytosis in three to seven days, followed by an increase in hemoglobin in 2-4 weeks.
You can quickly raise your iron levels by drinking iron-rich drinks like Aviva Romm's iron tonic, spinach-cashew-raspberry smoothie, pumpkin juice, mulberry smoothie, and Prune juice. Eating dark green leafy vegetables, legumes, broccoli, fish, meat, and fresh citrus fruits will also help raise your iron levels.