Excessive Yawning and Iron Deficiency

Yawning is a natural reflex that helps regulate oxygen levels and keep the brain alert. However excessive yawning could be the sign of an underlying health condition.

Experts warn that while yawning is often linked to sleepiness or boredom, frequent and persistent yawning could be a sign of underlying health conditions, including iron deficiency, heart issues, and neurological disorders.

Experts remind us that iron is essential for oxygen transport in the blood so when iron levels are low, oxygen delivery in the body decreases, causing the body to yawn more frequently to boost oxygen intake.

So if you are concerned about your excessive yawning, please consult your Doctor. If the cause is iron deficiency, this can be determined by a simple blood test.

Yawning too much? It could be a sign of iron deficiency, experts say, yawning, iron deficiency, sleep deprivation, oxygen levels, heart issues, neurological conditions

HAVE YOU ANY OF THESE UNUSUAL SIGNS OF IRON DEFICIENCY ?

Low levels of iron can cause issues throughout your body. Sometimes you can have symptoms which can only be described as unusual. Here are seven of them to keep an eye out for;

1. Extreme fatigue and exhaustion. People lacking enough iron in their blood often feel sluggish, weak, and unable to focus. Though fatigue can be the sign of numerous conditions, if it does not go away with adequate rest, consider having your iron levels checked.

2. Frequent infections. Iron plays a key role in a healthy immune system, so lower levels of iron can make someone more susceptible to infections.

3. Pale skin. Hemoglobin gives skin its rosy color, so low levels cause the skin to become lighter. Iron is an important component of hemoglobin.

4. Swollen tongue. Changes to your tongue, including soreness or swelling, can be a sign of iron deficiency. Cracks on the side of the mouth are also common among people with iron deficiency.

5. Restless Legs Syndrome. have you heard of the phrase “Can’t sit still”? Well, some people who have iron deficiency develop restless legs syndrome, a disorder that causes you to have a strong urge to move your legs. The urge often comes with an unpleasant, crawling sensation in the legs that can make it hard to sleep.

6. Pica. Pica is a condition where you have the craving to eat non-food items, and pica for eating ice can be a symptom of iron deficiency. No one fully understands why iron deficiency causes pica, but research shows that pica symptoms often resolve when iron deficiency is addressed.

7. Hair loss. Iron deficiency, especially when it develops into anemia, can cause hair loss. It is normal to lose about 100 strands of hair per day but if you notice your hair loss is excessive and it is not growing back, this may be a sign of iron deficiency.

So, if you’re experiencing any of these “unusual” symptoms, speak to your doctor and find out if you’re suffering from iron deficiency. Your Doctor can organise a simple blood test to determine if you do have Iron Deficiency and an Iron Infusion is just one of the available treatments to deal with this condition quickly and efficiently.

7 Unusual Signs of Iron Deficiency (everydayhealth.com)

Research Shows Cases of Anaemia Are On The Rise,

Research from the UK shows cases of anaemia are on the rise. Anaemia is a potentially fatal condition often caused by iron deficiency.

While pregnant and younger women should pay particular attention, it’s important that everyones look out for these lesser-known signs of iron deficiency.:

• frequent headache 

• tinnitus (a noise in the ears)

• an altered sense of taste

• feeling itchy

• a sore or abnormally smooth tongue

• hair loss

• a desire to eat non-food items, such as ice, paper or clay (known as pica)

• difficulty swallowing (known as dysphagia)

• painful, open ulcers on the corners of the mouth

• spoon-shaped nails

If you are suffering any of these symptoms, please see your Doctor and have your iron levels checked. Very often, anaemia caused by iron deficiency can be easily treated with supplements and dietary change or by having an iron infusion.

Potentially fatal anaemia cases are on the rise – watch out for lesser-known signs, urges expert - PharmiWeb.com

WHY IS IRON IMPORTANT TO THE BODY?

Haemoglobin (an iron containing protein in red blood cells) is essential to a healthy body as it carries oxygen from the lungs to the rest of the body and carbon dioxide back to the lungs. If your haemoglobin or iron levels are low this will make you feel tired and may prevent you from carrying out your normal daily routine.

Common symptoms that may indicate an Iron Deficieny include

o General fatigue

o Weakness

o Pale skin

o Shortness of breath

o Dizziness

o A tingling or crawling feeling in the legs

o Tongue swelling or soreness

o Cold hands and feet

o Fast or irregular heartbeat

o Brittle nails

o Headaches

If you are experiencing any of the above symptoms go and see your Doctor. You may be suffering from Iron deficiency which can be verified with a simple blood test.

Signs That You Are Not Eating Enough Iron Rich Foods

Iron is essential for the optimum functioning of your body. Here are 7 signs that you are lacking adequate iron.

1. Fatigue: When iron levels in the body declines, it reduces haemoglobin which leads to less red blood cells and white blood cells in the body which can lead to anemia and fatigue.

2. Anxiety: Research suggests that low amounts of iron in the body can cause mental health problems like anxiety as without enough iron, the brain cannot function normally.

3. Insomnia: Very low iron levels in the body can impact the secretion of serotonin and dopamine in the body which are responsible for the maintaining sleep quality.

4. Craving Ice: Sounds bizarre but it does happen when the body lacks adequate iron, particularly if you are pregnant or pre-adolescent.

5. Brittle Nails: Iron deficiency might make your nails brittle rough and shaped like a spoon.

6. Feeling Cold: Iron plays a big role in haemoglobin and blood circulation which keeps us warm.

7. Poor Performance: Iron is essential for optimal brain function so with low iron levels you may lack proper concentration focus and productivity.

If you have any of these symptoms, we recommend that you see your Doctor and get your iron levels checked.

Poor Performance | 7 Physical And Mental Signs That Show That You Are Not Eating Enough Iron-Rich Foods | Thehealthsite.com Photogallery

CHILDHOOD OBESITY LINKED TO IRON DEFICIENCY

A recent study in the British Journal of Medicine is suggesting that Childhood Obesity May Be Linked to Iron Deficiency.

Iron deficiency in children can have various adverse effects, including impaired brain function, attention, concentration and memory. It has also been suggested that it can increase the risk of conditions such as autism and ADHD.

The research team found that iron deficiency was associated with both underweight and overweight children, suggesting that malnutrition, in its various forms, can impact children regardless of their weight status.

Even if someone is in a calorie excess, they can still be nutrient deficient. This finding emphasizes the importance of looking beyond calorie content and considering the nutritional quality of the foods children consume.

If you have any concerns about yours or your children’s weight, please see your Doctor and have your Iron and other vitamin and nutrient levels checked.

Childhood Obesity Linked to Iron Deficiency by British Medical Journal (eatingwell.com)

WHY DO I BRUISE SO EASILY?

Bruising usually occurs when blood vessels underneath the skin become damaged and leak, allowing blood to pool. Bruising usually occurs when you cause a trauma to your skin such as bumping yourself or falling down.

If you find yourself constantly covered in bruises with no idea where they were coming from you may be suffering from easy bruising. Here are a few causes for you to consider including nutrient deficiencies and poor gut health.

1. Iron Deficiency: This may affect women more often due to menstrual periods. As iron is required for healthy red blood cells and oxygenation of the blood, iron deficiency can make you more susceptible to easy bruising.

2. Vitamin K: Vitamin K is involved in healthy blood clotting and is mostly found in green vegetables. It requires beneficial gut bacteria to turn it into its most useful form (K2).

3. Medications that thin the blood: Some medications such as aspirin, ibuprofen and corticosteroids can thin the blood and contribute to easy bruising.

4. Supplements that thin the blood: ginkgo, Ginger, turmeric, garlic, high doses of vitamin E and fish oil can create similar effects to blood thinners.

5. Substances that alter the bacteria preventing proper absorption of nutrients. In this category falls alcohol, antibiotics and the contraceptive pill. Without adequate levels of certain nutrients, the skin and blood vessels may be thinner and more prone to breaking and bruising.

6. Alcohol: Alcohol can cause dehydration which can increase inflammation, leading to dry, dull, puffy skin with reduced elasticity. This makes your skin more prone to bruising. Alcohol is also a vasodilator, meaning it expands the blood vessels, making them more prone to breaking from lighter bumps than usual. It also interferes with platelet aggregation (clotting), thins the blood and makes bruising more likely. O course when this is combined with poor coordination, bruising can be expected.

If you have any concerns about bruising easily or the bruises seeming to take a long time to heal, please consult your doctor.

Why do I bruise so easily? An expert explains (fashionjournal.com.au)

VITAMIN C and IRON

Recent medical opinion suggests that if your body is not absorbing enough iron from your food or supplements, taking Vitamin C may assist but it's not a good idea to take them together as a vitamin supplement.

"Vitamin C is exceptionally effective at increasing iron absorption in the body, which can lead to iron toxicity if the vitamin supplement is taken in high doses," Dr. Huffman, founder of Ambari Nutrition, tells us. "If you have to take both vitamin supplements, then make sure to take one of the supplements at least two hours after taking the other to avoid toxicity."

3 Potentially Dangerous Supplement Combinations Doctors Say You Should Avoid Because They Could Lead To Blood Clots & More - SHEfinds

4 KEY VITAMINS TO COMBAT BRAIN FOG

Brain Fog is that vague feeling of mental sluggishness or fuzziness or a general inability to concentrate or focus. It's often paired with deep feelings of fatigue, and it can be debilitating if it persists.

If you experience a persistent case of brain fog, it's worth exploring many potential causes with your doctor. However, one of the most immediate -- and easiest to resolve -- may be a simple lack of key brain-boosting vitamins. Here are 4 key vitamins that may assist to combat brain fog.

1. Vitamin B12 is critical for cardiovascular and neurological health. Your body needs it to make red blood cells and develop healthy nerves. B12 deficiency can cause confusion, memory troubles and depression.

2. Vitamin D is most notable for its role in building bone density but it also plays an important part in supporting cognitive function. Recent studies have suggested a connection between vitamin D deficiency and several aspects of executive function, including processing speed and episodic memory.

3. Iron is critical for the body's production of hemoglobin, which your red blood cells use to transport oxygen. Iron deficiency can lead to cognitive or neurological symptoms, such as fatigue, trouble concentrating or dizziness. A lack of iron has also been associated with memory and attention problems, as well as poor cognitive development in children.

4. Magnesium is another important mineral affecting everything from muscle contractions to your immune function, and also your cognitive function. A recent study has linked Magnesium deficiency with slower reaction times and increased stress, both of which can impact your ability to focus. Other signs of magnesium deficiency includes shaking, muscle spasms or abnormal heart rhythms.

Remember, check with your Doctor before you start any medication.

These Key Vitamins Can Help Combat Brain Fog (cnet.com)

7 SIGNS OF IRON DEFICIENCY YOU SHOULD KNOW ABOUT

1. FATIGUE - If you feel tired and exhausted even after proper rest, this could be a sign of iron deficiency.

2. SHORTNESS OF BREATH - Being short of breath during light physical activity may be a sign of iron deficiency.

3. PALE SKIN - Decreased oxygen flow (low levels of red blood cells) can cause paleness of the skin. If you notice your skin is paler than usual, this might be a sign of iron deficiency.

4. FREQUENT HEADAHCES - if you experience frequent headaches or dizziness, this may be a sign that your iron levels are low.

5. COLD HANDS AND FEET - Cold hands and feet may be a sign of poor blood circulation arising from iron deficiency.

6. RESTLESS LEG SYNDROME - if you experience uncomfortable sensations in your legs especially at night, this may be from low iron levels.

7. BRITTLE NAILS - If your nails are starting to become weak or brittle, this may be a sign of iron deficiency.

If you experience any of these signs, see your Doctor and organise a pathology test to check your iron levels.

8 SILENT SIGNS YOU MAY BE IRON DEFICIENT

Iron is an essential nutrient used by the body to create red blood cells, which carry oxygen from the lungs to the rest of the body. The New York Times reported in October that in the USA more than a third of women younger than 50 are deficient in iron. Whilst menstruation and pregnancy are two of the main reasons, iron deficiency can have serious consequences, including lower immunity and cognition. Unfortunately, in the USA iron deficiency often goes undiagnosed, leaving women to alert their doctors of the symptoms.

These are some of the silent signs you may be iron deficient.

1. Shortness of Breath

2. Brain Fog

3. Fatigue

4. Lightheadedness or Dizziness

5. Increased Sensitivity to Cold

6. Pale Skin

7. Heart Palpitations

8. Cold Hands and/or Feet

If you experience any of these signs, see your Doctor and organise a pathology test to check your iron levels.

7 Silent Signs You May Be Iron Deficient and How to Fix It (bestlifeonline.com)

WHY SYMPTOMS OR IRON DEFICIENCY ARE OFTEN MISSED IN YOUNG WOMEN AND GIRLS

In a recent report on NBC News in America it was reported that almost 40% of American teenage girls and young women had low levels of iron.  This was based on a study conducted by the University of Michigan Medical School who pulled data on girls and women ages 12-21 collected over the last 20 years from the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey, part of the Center for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC).  The CDC recommends a blood test for anemia every five to 10 years for women of reproductive age, but in America, doctors don’t typically screen for iron deficiency (ferritin levels).

According to Dr Angela Weyand, the lead author of the study, symptoms of iron deficiency include:

• Fatigue.

• Cold extremities (hands and/or feet)

• Hair loss.

• Brittle nails.

• Cognitive issues like brain fog.

• Decreased athletic performance.

• Shortness of breath with exertion.

• Junk food cravings.

• Headache, light-headedness.

• Sleep disorders.

Menstruation was also reported to be a risk factor, although a quarter of the girls who hadn't started their periods yet had iron deficiency, the data showed.

The study also reported that the average body mass index for the entire group was 22, but those with lower BMI were more likely to have iron deficiency.

We would recommend that young women and teenagers include testing for iron deficiency as part of their regular health checks and especially if they have symptoms of iron deficiency.

This study was also reported in the Washington Post and on medicalexpress.com.  Please see the links below for more information.

Iron deficiency often missed in young women, girls, research finds (nbcnews.com)

Iron deficiency is common among young women, can lead to anemia - The Washington Post

Study suggests need for iron tests in teen girls and young women (medicalxpress.com)

CHRONIC FATIGUE

Fatigue is viewed as a major problem for many adults .and is defined as tiredness, weakness, lack of energy, and/or inability to concentrate.

The top causes of fatigue include sleep disorders such as sleep apnea and insomnia, depression or anxiety, thyroid problems, iron-deficiency anaemia, a poor diet, dehydration and medications. Try taking extra water a few times a day and if the fatigue persists, please talk to your doctor about finding the cause and the solution. Your doctor may send you to have your sleep evaluated, talk with a therapist/psychologist, or have a blood test to check for thyroid issues and iron deficient anaemia.

Chronic fatigue may signal other significant health issues including heart disease, cancer, diabetes, kidney disease, multiple sclerosis, or rheumatoid arthritis, all of which may cause prolonged weariness/tiredness. Likewise chronic infections such as Lyme disease and long COVID-19 may also be the sources of the chronic fatigue. From these conditions you can see the importance of consulting your doctor and investigating the cause of chronic fatigue if you suffer from it.

HEALTH SPAN AND LIFESPAN

Advances in public health, surgery, and medicine are trying to extend our lifespan, but what about our health­span? Your lifespan is how long you live. Your healthspan is how many years you live a healthy, vibrant life. You want your healthspan to equal your lifespan.

A large European study called EPIC found that incorpo­rating four simple behaviors can dramatically reduce your risk of developing diseases of aging (Alzheimer’s, diabetes, heart disease, and cancer). These include not smoking, exercising three and a half hours a week, eating a healthy diet, and maintaining a healthy weight.

These four behav­iors alone seemed to prevent 93 percent of diabetes cases, 81 percent of heart attacks, 50 percent of strokes, and 36 per­ cent of all cancer cases.

7 UNUSUAL SIGNS OF IRON DEFICIENCY

Low levels of iron can cause issues throughout your body. Sometimes you can have symptoms which can only be described as unusual. Here are seven of them to keep an eye out for;

1. Extreme fatigue and exhaustion. People lacking enough iron in their blood often feel sluggish, weak, and unable to focus. Though fatigue can be the sign of numerous conditions, if it does not go away with adequate rest, consider having your iron levels checked.

2. Frequent infections. Iron plays a key role in a healthy immune system, so lower levels of iron can make someone more susceptible to infections.

3. Pale skin. Hemoglobin gives skin its rosy color, so low levels cause the skin to become lighter. Iron is an important component of hemoglobin.

4. Swollen tongue. Changes to your tongue, including soreness or swelling, can be a sign of iron deficiency. Cracks on the side of the mouth are also common among people with iron deficiency.

5. Restless Legs Syndrome. have you heard of the phrase “Can’t sit still”? Well, some people who have iron deficiency develop restless legs syndrome, a disorder that causes you to have a strong urge to move your legs. The urge often comes with an unpleasant, crawling sensation in the legs that can make it hard to sleep.

6. Pica. Pica is a condition where you have the craving to eat non-food items, and pica for eating ice can be a symptom of iron deficiency. No one fully understands why iron deficiency causes pica, but research shows that pica symptoms often resolve when iron deficiency is addressed.

7. Hair loss. Iron deficiency, especially when it develops into anemia, can cause hair loss. It is normal to lose about 100 strands of hair per day but if you notice your hair loss is excessive and it is not growing back, this may be a sign of iron deficiency.

So, if you’re experiencing these “unusual” symptoms, speak to your doctor and find out if you’re suffering from iron deficiency.

7 Unusual Signs of Iron Deficiency (everydayhealth.com)

IRON AND THE ELDERLY WHO TAKE ASPIRIN

Iron and the Elderly who take Aspirin

A recent article "Watch for anaemia risk in older aspirin users: Aus researchers” (dated 21 June 2023) reported on a study undertaken by Monash University.  It was found that there is a 20% increase in the risk of developing iron deficiency anaemia for older patients within five years of starting 100mg aspirin once daily.

Whilst most of us think of aspirin for pain/fever relief, it is also used long-term as an anti-inflammatory and to thin blood to help reduce the risk of blood clots, strokes and heart attacks.

If you are taking aspirin daily, make sure you are monitoring you iron/ferritin levels regularly.

Watch for anaemia risk in older aspirin users: Aus researchers | AusDoc

VEGETARIAN DIET AND IRON DEFICIENCY

There are no consistent results from studies confirming that you are at a higher risk of iron deficiency from being on a vegetarian/vegan diet.

With there being 2 types of iron in food, haem iron and non-haem iron, haem iron is the more readily absorbed form of iron, and makes up about 40 per cent of the iron in meat, poultry and fish. Non-haem iron is most commonly from plants and is less well absorbed.

The key then is around the absorption of the iron in your food. For vegetarians this is more challenging in general than for “meat eaters”. The National Health and Medical Research Council’s recommends that those on a vegetarian diet may need to consume up to 1.8 times the amount of iron as those on a non-vegetarian diet. This means a well-balanced vegetarian diet can still provide you with the level of iron your body needs.

Having said this you need to be aware that there are some food items that reduce the ability to absorb non-haem iron. These include

• Tannins which can be found in regular tea, some herbal teas (e.g. peppermint tea), red wine, coffee and some berries (such as cranberries)

• Calcium (good for bones, but not for iron absorption)

• Phytates (phytic acid), which is usually found in legumes, nuts, wholegrain cereals and unprocessed bran. (Processing, soaking and sprouting help reduce phytic acid)

The easiest way to avoid these foods impacting your iron absorption is to not have them with your meals.

On the plus side, vitamin C has been shown to enhance the absorption of the non-haem iron found in plant foods by up to 2 to 3 times if taken at the same time. So to improve your iron intake, combine iron-rich plant foods with foods that are rich in vitamin C such as citrus fruits, kiwifruit; strawberries; tomatoes; capsicum; broccoli; cabbage; spinach and Bok Choy.

For more information on iron rich vegetarian options, please see the following link;

21 Vegetarian Foods That Are Loaded With Iron (healthline.com)

Iron deficiency: Get your fill with these vegetarian, non-vegetarian and vegan diet options (moneycontrol.com)

CAUSES OF IRON DEFICIENCY

1. NOT EATING ENOUGH IRON RICH FOODS

   Iron deficiency is the most common nutritional deficiency globally — especially among children and pregnant women but not limited to just them.

   Your body can store iron but it cannot make it. 

   Iron must come from food.

   There are two types of iron: heme iron from animal sources and non-heme iron from plant sources. Heme iron is more easily absorbed by the body than plant-based non-heme iron so you would need to aim for nearly twice as much plant based (non-heme) iron if you don’t eat meat.

   Foods rich in heme iron include Beef, Chicken, Eggs, Lamb, Ham, Turkey, Veal, Pork, Liver, Oysters, Fish, Clams, Shrimp, Tuna, Mackerel and Scallops.

   Foods rich in non-heme iron include (but not limited to) Broccoli, String beans, Dark leafy greens (like dandelion, collard, kale and spinach), Potatoes, Cabbage, Brussels sprouts, Tomato paste, Dried or canned peas and beans (kidney, garbanzo, cannellini and soybeans), Lentils, Peas, Tofu, Figs, Dates, Raisins, Prunes, Fortified Breakfast Cereals, Breads and Pasta, Wholegrains, Pistachios, Pumpkin seeds, Sesame seeds, Flax seeds, Almonds, Cashews, Pine nuts and Macadamia nuts.

2. YOUR BODY HAS TROUBLE ABSORBING IRON
   Iron in food and supplements are absorbed through the stomach and bowel. Some health conditions affect how much iron is absorbed, such as coeliac disease, stomach surgery, or any disorders that affect the intestines.

   There are no clear studies in relation to how much iron can be absorbed through the digestive system with suggested numbers being generally in the range of 2% to 35%.

3. VIGOROUS/EXCESSIVE EXERCISE

   Iron is essential for our body to make proteins that transport oxygen in our body, and also to make various enzymes needed in our body to produce energy. Regular vigorous exercise promotes the production of red blood cells which require iron. Through exercise, the body will also lose some iron through sweating. As a result, avid/elite exercisers are at a higher risk of suffering from Iron Deficiency.