TV doctor Dr Amir Khan has issued a warning about a specific change in fingernails that could signal iron deficiency anaemia. In a video posted to his Instagram page, the GP explained that brittle or spoon-shaped nails, a condition known as koilonychia, may indicate a lack of iron in the body.
What Is Iron Deficiency Anaemia?
Dr Amir, widely recognised for his appearances on ITV, described iron deficiency anaemia as the most common type of anaemia. "It happens when your body doesn't have enough iron to make haemoglobin," he said. Haemoglobin is the substance in red blood cells that carries oxygen throughout the body. Normally, the body obtains a steady supply of iron from food, but if intake is insufficient or iron is lost faster than it can be replaced, deficiency occurs.
Causes of Iron Deficiency Anaemia
Dr Amir listed several common causes: not getting enough iron in the diet, losing iron through heavy periods (noting that heavy periods are not normal and should be addressed with a clinician), gut illnesses such as coeliac disease and inflammatory bowel disease, and in some cases, underlying cancer.
Signs in the Nails
According to Dr Amir, one key sign of iron deficiency appears in the fingernails. "Your nails are brittle or spoon-shaped. This condition is called koilonychia," he said. "Your nails look concave, like spoons instead of growing flat." Experts at the Cleveland Clinic add that an indentation deep enough to hold a drop of water may also develop. While spoon nails are most often a sign of iron deficiency anaemia, they can also result from diabetes, heart disease, or an underactive thyroid.
Other Symptoms to Watch For
Dr Amir highlighted fatigue as another common symptom. "Iron helps your body make the red pigment in your blood that carries oxygen to all your organs. If you don't have enough iron, you won't be able to carry as much oxygen around your body, depriving it of vital energy, making you tired," he explained. Shortness of breath and chest pain may also occur. When haemoglobin levels are low, oxygen levels drop, causing muscles to receive insufficient oxygen for everyday activities. This leads to increased breathing rate and shortness of breath. The heart also works harder to distribute available oxygen, potentially causing chest pain. Additional symptoms include sores in the corners of the mouth and restless leg syndrome.
What to Do If You Have Symptoms
Dr Amir advised increasing iron intake through diet, citing good sources such as liver, red meat, shellfish, legumes, and pumpkin seeds for vegetarians. However, he stressed the importance of speaking to a healthcare professional if concerned. The NHS recommends seeing a GP if you suspect you might have iron deficiency anaemia.
