Sign 3. Shortness of Breath: A Breath-Taking Symptom of Iron Deficiency
Climbing a flight of stairs shouldn’t leave you winded. But if you find yourself panting after performing small tasks, it might be due to an iron deficiency.
Breathing involves a complex interaction between various body systems. Among these is the circulatory system, responsible for delivering oxygen to the body’s tissues. Iron is essential for the production of hemoglobin, which helps carry this oxygen.
If your body lacks iron, the amount of oxygen reaching your tissues will decrease. Your body responds by increasing your respiratory rate, leading to shortness of breath. It’s as though you’ve just run a marathon when all you’ve done is a brisk walk.
Many people mistakenly attribute breathlessness to being out of shape or gaining weight. While these factors can contribute, it’s also worth considering an iron deficiency as a potential cause. (3)
