Iron deficiency shows up in the body in many ways. People often feel unusually tired for days on end, and they may notice dry skin, bites of taste changing, or even subtle shifts in how food tastes. Experts explain that these signs can be gentle at first and then become more noticeable as iron stores dwindle. Anna Barteneva, an endocrinologist and nutritionist at the Nearmedic clinic in Simonovsky Val, spoke about this with socialbites.ca, outlining how the body signals this common issue.
According to Barteneva, the symptoms in iron deficiency are varied and often nonspecific. A person might experience persistent fatigue and weakness, a drop in daily performance, and dryness of the skin. Hair can become brittle or shed more easily, and there may be changes in taste preferences. In some cases, people notice a higher frequency of infections or a general sense of being unwell without a clear cause. Because these signs overlap with many other conditions, a careful medical evaluation is essential rather than self-diagnosis.
For a clear assessment, Barteneva notes that a complete blood count along with ferritin and iron tests are necessary to confirm iron deficiency. She emphasizes that interpreting test results and deciding on treatment should be done by a medical professional. Self-treatment can be risky, especially when iron stores are already low or when there are other underlying health factors to consider.
Iron deficiency remains a common problem today, with higher prevalence among women. Barteneva highlights global data showing that roughly 37 percent of the world population may be affected by some level of iron shortage, while in Russia the figure sits around 20 percent. Iron deficiency is not limited to anemia, which is a drop in hemoglobin; it also includes reduced iron stores in the body’s tissues, which can lead to fatigue, reduced exercise tolerance, and poor concentration even before hemoglobin drops.
Understanding the daily iron needs helps put these numbers into perspective. For adult men, the physiological requirement is about 10 to 18 milligrams of iron daily, while women typically require a higher intake due to menstruation, pregnancy, and lactation. This difference underscores why iron deficiency disproportionately affects women and why dietary choices and supplementation need careful consideration and clinical guidance when necessary.
Managing iron status involves a combination of diet, monitoring, and, when appropriate, supplementation prescribed by a clinician. Foods rich in heme iron, such as red meat and seafood, alongside non-heme iron sources like legumes, fortified cereals, leafy greens, and iron-enhanced beverages, can help restore stores. Vitamin C-containing foods can boost iron absorption, and it is often advised to pair iron-rich meals with a vitamin C source to maximize uptake. Regular follow-ups and lab tests help ensure iron levels rise toward the normal range without causing adverse effects from over-supplementation.
Patients are encouraged to discuss their symptoms and lab results with a healthcare professional, who can tailor a plan to their health status, dietary preferences, and life stage. While fatigue and skin changes are sometimes attributed to lifestyle factors, persistent or worsening signs merit medical attention to rule out other conditions and to prevent potential complications associated with prolonged iron deficiency. The goal is a balanced approach that restores iron stores safely and supports overall energy, immunity, and well-being.
Finally, it is important to recognize that iron needs and responses to treatment can vary among individuals. Clinicians may adjust dietary recommendations or treatment regimens based on a person’s age, sex, medical history, and concurrent medications. With careful monitoring and professional guidance, most people can regain steady energy levels and reduce the risk of related health problems, reinforcing the value of proactive, evidence-based care in maintaining optimal iron status.