From complexion to weird nail growth: 6 unusual signs that our body is screaming for more iron

Iron deficiency anaemia (IDA) affects an estimated 1.2 billion individuals worldwide, and iron deficiency without anaemia (IDWA) is even more widespread, according to the American Society of Haematology. Iron deficiency doesn’t always wave red flags in the usual way. No, it doesn’t always begin with fatigue or pale skin, as most assume. Sometimes, the body whispers through odd skin changes, strange cravings, and even how nails grow. And when those whispers go unheard, they eventually turn into louder cries for help.

Iron is essential for making hemoglobin, the protein in red blood cells that carries oxygen. But when the body runs low on this mineral, it starts making subtle and often strange adjustments. These changes are easy to miss – or worse, get wrongly blamed on other causes like stress, ageing, or poor sleep.

Here are 6 shocking signs that the body may be iron-starved – and it’s time to pay attention.