5 common signs of iron deficiency you shouldn't ignore

It’s surprising how the human body drops subtle hints when something isn’t right. Iron deficiency is one of those quiet concerns that can easily be brushed aside as just "being tired" or "having a dull week." But behind these everyday feelings, there might be a real nutritional gap that needs attention.


Iron is a vital mineral that helps red blood cells carry oxygen throughout the body. When its levels drop, the impact is felt far and wide—from energy to immunity, even mood and appearance. The signs might not always scream for help, but they surely whisper. And those whispers must be heard.


Here are 5 of the most common signs that may indicate iron deficiency—and why they should never be overlooked.


Fatigues with no plausible reasons

Everyone feels tired once in a while, especially after a long day. But when exhaustion becomes a daily companion—even after proper rest—it could mean the blood isn’t delivering enough oxygen to the muscles and tissues. Low iron means low haemoglobin, and less haemoglobin means the body works harder to function normally. This form of tiredness is more like a heaviness that doesn't go away, not even after a good night’s sleep. According to the World Health Organisation, fatigue is one of the earliest and most prevalent symptoms of iron deficiency.



Noticeable paleness in skin or gums

People often say pale skin comes from being indoors too much or not getting enough sun. In reality, it can be a red flag for anaemia caused by iron deficiency. Haemoglobin is what gives blood and skin a healthy red tone. When iron levels drop, so does that natural rosy glow. Paleness can show up in more than just the face—it might appear in the gums, inner eyelids, or nail beds. A simple check in the mirror might reveal what the body is silently going through.


Frequent headaches and dizziness

Headaches are often blamed on stress or dehydration. When iron is low, oxygen struggles to reach the brain efficiently, which can lead to frequent or severe headaches. In some cases, this is accompanied by dizziness or even shortness of breath during mild activity. These symptoms aren’t just occasional annoyances—they could be signs that the brain isn’t getting what it needs to stay alert and balanced.




Brittle or misshapen nails

Nail damage is usually brushed off as a result of overuse of polish or nail treatments. Iron deficiency has a more lasting effect on nails. Nails may become thin, brittle, or develop a strange concave or spoon-like shape, known medically as koilonychia. This is a late sign and usually indicates long-standing low iron levels. When nails show signs of distress, it’s often a sign the body’s been undernourished for some time.



Cravings for weird items (pica)

Craving ice on a hot day? Most wouldn’t think twice about it. But repeated cravings for ice, clay, chalk, or dirt may indicate pica—an eating behaviour strongly linked with iron deficiency, especially in children and pregnant women. The exact cause isn’t fully understood, but studies suggest that these cravings may be the body’s strange way of compensating for missing nutrients. This isn’t a quirky habit—it’s a cry for help from within.