Have you ever found yourself munching on ice or battling an unusual urge to chew pencils? Well, you’re not alone—and there could be a surprising explanation. Iron deficiency doesn’t always show up with obvious red flags like fatigue or pallor. Sometimes, it waves quirky little signs that make you go, “Wait, what?” Let’s unravel these weird signals your body might be sending you to clue you in on an iron shortfall—and learn how to tackle them head-on. 

Here are five bizarre indicators you might be low on this vital mineral, along with tips on how to boost your iron levels. 

1. Strange Cravings (Pica)

Ever had a sudden urge to chew on ice, clay, dirt, or even paper? This condition, known as pica, is more common among those with iron deficiency. Although the exact reason is a bit of a mystery, these unusual cravings might be your body's way of signalling that it needs more iron. 

How to Remedy: 

Boosting your iron intake through your diet can help. While red meat is a well-known iron-rich source, plenty of plant-based options are packed with this essential mineral too. 

Leafy greens like spinach aren’t just versatile; they're also rich in iron. One cup of cooked spinach contains about 6.4 mg of iron. If you’re looking to go plant-based, lentils are another excellent choice, offering 6.6 mg of iron per cooked cup. 

Meanwhile, fortified cereals can be a game-changer for breakfast, with some brands providing up to 18 mg of iron per serving. Don’t forget to pair these with vitamin C-rich foods like oranges or bell peppers, as they can enhance iron absorption dramatically. 

So whether you're a meat lover or a vegetarian, there's an iron-rich option out there for you! 

2. Restless Leg Syndrome (RLS)

Do you feel an irresistible urge to move your legs, especially at night? This could be a sign of restless leg syndrome, often linked to iron deficiency. While the precise connection isn't fully clear, research suggests that low iron levels in the brain can disrupt the activity of dopamine, a crucial neurotransmitter involved in movement control. This disruption may trigger those restless, uncontrollable leg sensations. It can disrupt your sleep and lead to fatigue during the day. 

How to Remedy: 

Boosting your iron intake through diet or supplements can alleviate these symptoms. One option is Nutravita's Iron Supplement. This supplement is crafted to meet your daily iron needs efficiently and effectively. By incorporating iron supplements into your routine, you can support better overall health, enhance your energy levels, and reduce the frequency and intensity of iron-deficiency symptoms. 

Our high potency iron supplement provides 28mg, 200% of your daily NRV, in an easy to swallow tablet. Each daily serving of 2 tablets provides a highly absorbable form of iron that is more gentle on the stomach than other iron supplements. Each bottle contains 180 vegan friendly iron tablets, providing a 3 month supply.

3. Inflamed Tongue & Mouth

An inflamed, swollen, or strangely smooth tongue, medically known as glossitis, might point to iron deficiency. So can sores at the corners of your mouth. These symptoms arise because iron plays a crucial role in maintaining healthy tissues in your body. 

How to Remedy: 

Incorporate more iron-rich foods into your meals and have a chat with your GP if you notice persistent symptoms. They may recommend iron supplements or investigate any underlying conditions. 

4. Brittle or Spoon-Shaped Nails (Koilonychia) 

Nails that are thin and form a concave shape—or even develop indentations like spoon shapes—can denote a lack of iron in your system. When your body is low on iron, your nails can become a visible sign of the deficiency. Insufficient oxygen supply to the nail beds can stunt their growth and impact their overall health, leading to changes in both their shape and texture. Brittle, easily chipped nails or a distinctive spoon-like shape are classic signs of severe iron deficiency. In this condition, the nails become soft and concave, forming a depression in the centre, resembling the shape of a spoon. Healthy nails rely on sufficient iron levels to grow strong and resilient. 

How to Remedy: 

Regularly consuming iron-rich foods can improve the condition of your nails over time. 

5. Frequent Infections

Iron is crucial for a well-functioning immune system. If you find yourself catching colds often or taking longer to recover from infections, it might be due to low iron levels impairing your body's defence mechanisms. 

How to Remedy: 

A diet rich in iron can bolster your immune system. In cases of severe deficiency, a healthcare provider can assist in formulating an effective treatment, potentially including supplements or further medical evaluation.

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Iron deficiency can be particularly tricky to identify because its symptoms often overlap with those of other common conditions. Fatigue or shortness of breath can be easily brushed off as stress or a busy schedule, or mood changes and headaches could easily be mistaken for signs of dehydration or other nutritional deficiencies. Some individuals might not exhibit obvious symptoms until the deficiency becomes more severe. Because the body can gradually adapt to lower iron levels, the early signs are often so subtle that we hardly notice them. It's only when the deficiency becomes more severe that those telltale symptoms like paleness, brittle nails, or even unusual cravings kick in. This is why it's so crucial to be proactive, especially if you're in a high-risk group like women of childbearing age, vegetarians, vegans, or athletes.

Riya Lakhani-Kanji MSc ANutr is a registered nutritionist and health writer. Equipped with a Bachelor's and Master's degree in Human Nutrition, Riya leverages her scientific knowledge to create engaging content that empowers people to embrace the power of plants.