6. Cold Hands and Feet
Ever wonder why your fingers or toes always feel cold—even in warm rooms? Low iron could be the culprit.
When iron levels drop, your circulation weakens, and your body prioritizes sending oxygen to vital organs instead of extremities. The result: chilly hands, feet, and sometimes even a bluish tint to your nails.
But circulation problems aren’t the only surprising symptom of anemia—your appetite can change too.
5. Unusual Cravings (Even for Non-Foods)
Here’s a strange one: some people with iron deficiency develop a craving for ice, clay, dirt, or even paper. This condition, called pica, is believed to be linked to the body’s instinctive search for missing minerals.
If you find yourself constantly chewing ice or craving odd textures, your body might be trying to tell you something important.
And that’s not the only craving iron deficiency can trigger…
4. Hair Loss and Brittle Nails
Iron feeds your hair follicles and supports keratin production—the protein that keeps hair strong. Without enough iron, strands can thin or fall out, and nails may become weak or spoon-shaped.
This doesn’t happen overnight, but over time, you might notice more hair in your brush or nails that split easily.
It’s one of those subtle symptoms that’s easy to dismiss—until it becomes hard to ignore.
