The number one symptom of anemia, particularly iron deficiency anemia, is fatigue or extreme tiredness, often accompanied by weakness, because the blood can't deliver enough oxygen to your body. Other common signs include pale skin, shortness of breath, dizziness, cold hands and feet, and headaches, but fatigue is usually the most noticeable and common initial indicator.
Possible symptoms of anemia include:
Signs and symptoms of iron deficiency may include brittle nails, swelling or soreness of the tongue, cracks in the sides of the mouth, an enlarged spleen, and frequent infections. People who have iron-deficiency anemia may have an unusual craving for nonfood items, such as ice, dirt, paint, or starch.
People with iron deficiency anemia may experience itchy skin (pruritus) that can become red, bumpy and sore when scratched. Rashes associated with aplastic anemia usually appear as tiny red or purple dots under your skin (petechiae).
And when you don't have enough hemoglobin, your blood can't carry oxygen throughout your body. As a result, you might feel tired. You may notice pale skin and cold hands and feet. Iron-deficiency anemia can also make you feel dizzy or lightheaded.
When your brain doesn't get enough oxygen from the blood, it can trigger headaches. The headaches may be dull and constant or come and go. Shortness of Breath: You may notice yourself feeling winded or short of breath easily with anemia.
People need vitamin B-12 for the brain to work well. If not treated, vitamin B-12 deficiency can lead to issues with the nerves, brain or spinal cord. These might include lasting tingling in the hands and feet or trouble with balance.
Warning signs of anemia you shouldn't ignore
Weakness. Dizziness. Shortness of breath. Irregular heartbeat.
Itching (pruritus) in the body can stem from several nutrient deficiencies, with iron deficiency anemia being a common culprit, causing dry, itchy skin. Other potential deficiencies linked to itching include vitamin D, essential fatty acids, B vitamins (like B12), and minerals like calcium, zinc, and copper, affecting skin health, hydration, and histamine regulation.
Iron deficiency can weaken the nails, making them more prone to splitting, breaking, or becoming brittle. Pale or white nail beds: Normal toenail beds should be pink. In severe cases of IDA, the nail beds may appear pale or even white due to reduced blood flow and oxygenation.
Anemia can slow down the metabolic rate in some cases. A slower metabolism can contribute to weight gain, while a faster metabolism can lead to weight loss.
Anemia may increase your risk of a heart attack. Call 911 if you have the following symptoms: Chest pain. Shortness of breath or trouble breathing.
Less common symptoms of iron deficiency anaemia (that are not usually connected to pregnancy) include:
Symptoms of iron-deficiency anemia may include: Being pale or having yellow "sallow" skin. Unexplained fatigue or lack of energy. Shortness of breath or chest pain, especially with activity.
As the anemia gets worse, symptoms may include:
Oxygen deficiency: A low red blood cell count means less oxygen is delivered, leading to muscle and joint fatigue. Tissue damage: Lack of oxygen can cause tissue inflammation and pain. Reduced blood flow: Anemia can limit the delivery of nutrients to muscles and joints, increasing stiffness.
What other conditions can cause itchy skin?
The results suggest that vitamin D supplementation, especially in its D3 form, may significantly reduce the severity of chronic pruritus.
Types of Cancer that Cause Anemia
Research suggests that having anemia tends to make people sleep less, not more. The tendency to sleep less is associated with both iron-deficiency anemia and non-iron-deficiency anemia and has been found to occur in people of all ages, including infants, children, adults, and older adults.
B12 deficiency can trigger specific food cravings, most notably for meat, fish, or eggs, as the body seeks animal-based sources to replenish the vitamin, especially in those on vegetarian/vegan diets or older adults. While cravings for sugary or salty foods can also signal general B-vitamin issues, the distinct urge for protein-rich animal products is a key indicator, but professional testing is crucial for confirmation.
Loss of balance or unsteadiness
Losing your balance while walking, or feeling imbalanced, can result from: Vestibular problems. Abnormalities in your inner ear can cause a sensation of a floating or heavy head and unsteadiness in the dark. Nerve damage to your legs (peripheral neuropathy).
Both low vitamin D and calcium lead to increased muscle cramps. Vitamin B1 is also called thiamine. Your body uses it to produce energy. Low vitamin B1 can lead to a condition called beriberi, which causes leg pain and cramps.