Iron is an essential nutrient, necessary for maintaining the health of the brain, immune system, muscles, skin, hair, and nails. Low iron levels, or iron deficiency, can cause various symptoms and signs, including unexplained fatigue, irritability, trouble concentrating, dizziness, and pale skin.
1. Fatigue and Exercise Intolerance
Iron is essential to hemoglobin , a protein in red blood cells that transports oxygen to vital tissues and organs throughout the body.
When iron levels are low in the body, oxygen delivery to organs like the brain and muscles is impaired, leading to physical and mental exhaustion, low energy, and generalized weakness.
Exercise intolerance or easy fatigability with exertion is also a common symptom of low iron. With this symptom, a person cannot perform