Iron Deficiency: 3 Stages That You Need to Know About

Iron is an essential mineral needed for many functions in the body, but there are certain stages of deficiency that you should be aware of. Iron deficiency can lead to a variety of issues such as fatigue and poor concentration, so it’s important to know how to prevent and treat the condition. In this article, we’ll look at the three stages of iron deficiency and what you can do to address each one.

Stage One: Mild Iron Deficiency

The first stage of iron deficiency is known as mild iron deficiency. At this stage, you may experience some of the following symptoms: feeling tired or weak, difficulty concentrating, headaches, breathlessness, a sore tongue and/or poor appetite. Even though iron levels may still be within the normal range at this stage, your body is starting to experience the effects of low iron levels.

The best way to address mild iron deficiency is to make changes to your diet. Eating more iron-rich foods such as red meat, beans, dark leafy greens, eggs, nuts, and fortified cereals can help increase your iron levels. You can also take an iron supplement if you’re still feeling low on energy or unable to concentrate.

Stage Two: Moderate Iron Deficiency

The next stage of iron deficiency is called moderate iron deficiency. This stage is characterized by a more serious deficiency of iron in the body. At this point, you may experience more serious symptoms such as a pale complexion, brittle nails, restless leg syndrome, a rapid heartbeat, and a general feeling of weakness.

If you’re at this stage, it’s important to consult your doctor to get an accurate diagnosis. Your doctor may then prescribe an iron supplement and recommend dietary changes to help increase your iron levels.

Stage Three: Severe Iron Deficiency

The third and most serious stage of iron deficiency is known as severe iron deficiency. If you’re at this stage, you may experience symptoms such as extreme fatigue, brittle nails, a rapid heartbeat, and a general feeling of weakness. You may also experience a decrease in red blood cells and anemia.

At this stage, it’s important to seek medical help from your doctor as soon as possible. Your doctor can run tests to confirm a diagnosis and can then recommend the appropriate treatment. This may include taking an iron supplement, making dietary changes, or receiving an IV iron infusion.

Conclusion

Iron deficiency can have an impact on your overall health and wellbeing, so it’s important to be aware of the three stages that it can occur in. If you suspect that you may be suffering from iron deficiency, the best thing to do is to consult a doctor and get an accurate diagnosis. Once a diagnosis has been confirmed, a treatment plan can be created that includes dietary changes, supplement use, and/or IV infusions. With the proper treatment, you can make sure that your body’s iron levels remain healthy and balanced.