Anaemia, a condition often linked to low iron levels, affects up to 6% of the UK population and results in 57,000 emergency hospital admissions for iron-deficient anaemia every year, according to NICE. Symptoms can develop gradually, making them easy to overlook in the early stages.
Superintendent Pharmacist and Director of Pyramid Pharmacy Group, Amir Bhogal, has shared 7 subtle signs to watch for and when to seek advice. These include constant fatigue, breathlessness, cold chills, frequent headaches, pale skin, brittle nails, and brain fog.
Constant fatigue and breathlessness
Bhogal says: "Tiredness is often explained as a normal part of a busy schedule. However, persistent fatigue that interferes with daily life can be linked to anaemia. When there are fewer healthy red blood cells available to carry oxygen around the body, even a full night's sleep may not be enough to restore energy levels." He suggests keeping an energy diary to note when symptoms occur and potential triggers such as poor sleep, stress, diet, or changes in physical activity.
Breathlessness during everyday activities can also be a sign. Bhogal explains that the body may compensate by increasing the breathing rate to meet oxygen demands. He advises speaking to a local pharmacist if breathlessness becomes more frequent, as they can review symptoms and recommend next steps, which may include a blood test.
Cold chills and frequent headaches
Feeling unusually cold, particularly in hands and feet, can be a sign of iron deficiency anaemia. Bhogal notes that reduced red blood cells can make you more sensitive to colder temperatures. Persistent cold sensitivity may warrant further investigation, especially for those with risk factors like heavy menstrual bleeding.
Headaches may also be linked to anaemia, as reduced oxygen can cause the brain to widen blood vessels, triggering pain. Bhogal advises discussing symptoms with a healthcare professional if headaches become more frequent, and notes that sudden headaches with blurred vision, jaw pain, confusion, or numbness warrant urgent care via NHS 111.
Pale skin, brittle nails, and brain fog
Persistent paleness can point to anaemia, as lowered haemoglobin levels affect skin, gums, inner eyelids, and the inside of the lower lip. Bhogal suggests including iron-rich foods like eggs with spinach and lean red meat with dark leafy greens, paired with vitamin C-rich ingredients to improve absorption.
Brittle nails may also indicate anaemia, as iron plays a role in healthy nail growth. Bhogal recommends reducing stress on nails, including giving gels and acrylics a break to prevent further damage.
Brain fog, often blamed on stress or poor sleep, can be linked to anaemia due to reduced oxygen delivery to the brain. Bhogal advises spending time in natural daylight and noting when symptoms occur to help identify patterns for further assessment.
