Symptom 8. Brittle Nails and Hair: Unwelcome Side Effects of Microcytic Anemia
Microcytic anemia can also impact the health of your nails and hair, leading to brittleness. Like all cells in your body, the cells in your nails and hair need a constant supply of oxygen to grow and remain healthy. In microcytic anemia, the reduced size of red blood cells compromises this oxygen supply, leading to weakened nails and hair.
Brittle nails and hair are common symptoms observed in individuals with microcytic anemia. The lack of iron affects the normal production of keratin, a protein essential for the strength and integrity of nails and hair. When iron levels are low, the cells responsible for producing keratin may not function optimally.
You might notice that your nails become fragile and break easily or develop ridges. They are might also appear pale or have ridges or indentations. Similarly, hair affected by microcytic anemia can become dry, brittle, weak, thin, and susceptible to splitting or peeling. It may experience increased hair loss, thinning, or slower growth. While these changes can be subtle, they can impact your self-esteem and overall wellbeing.
When your nails start to crack and your hair loses its shine, it’s not merely an aesthetic problem. It’s like a message broadcasted from your body, highlighting a possible lack of essential nutrients. Act promptly on such signs as they can be the first step towards improving your health and regaining your beauty. (8)
