TV doctor Dr Amir Khan has shared a warning about iron deficiency anaemia
Dr Amir shared some signs of iron deficiency anaemia to look out for(Image: Dr Amir Khan/Instagram)
A GP has advised people to seek medical attention if they spot an unusual sign in their fingernails. This could indicate an iron deficiency.
Iron plays a vital role in producing red blood cells, which transport oxygen throughout the body. The mineral can be obtained from foods including red meat, beans, and nuts.
However, despite maintaining a healthy, balanced diet, you may still find yourself lacking in iron, which can lead to iron deficiency anaemia. In a video posted to his Instagram page, medical expert Doctor Amir Khan provided further insight.
Dr Amir, who is widely recognised for his appearances on ITV, explained: “Iron deficiency anaemia is the most common type of anaemia. It happens when your body doesn’t have enough iron to make haemoglobin..
“Now that’s the substance in your red blood cells that allows them to carry oxygen throughout your body. Now, normally, your body brings in a steady flow of iron from the food that you eat.
“Your body stores excess iron so it’s available as needed to make haemoglobin but if you are not getting enough iron or it’s being lost faster than it’s being replaced, you will become deficient in iron.”
He listed some of the causes of iron deficiency anaemia. “There are lots of different causes but common ones include not getting enough iron in your diet, losing it through things like heavy periods – ladies, heavy periods are not normal, get them sorted with your clinician – gut illnesses like coeliac disease, and inflammatory bowel disease,” Dr Amir said.
“And in some cases, iron deficiency anaemia can be a sign of underlying cancer.”
Symptom in the nails
According to Dr Amir, one sign you could be deficient in iron will appear in your fingernails. This could cause them to become brittle or spoon-shaped.
He said: “Your nails are brittle or spoon-shaped. This condition is called koilonychia
“Your nails look concave, like spoons instead of growing flat.” Experts at the Cleveland Clinic add that you might also develop an indentation in your nail.
This will be “deep enough” to hold a drop of water on your nail bed. They said: “Most often, spoon nails are a sign of iron deficiency anaemia.”
However, it could also be the result of diabetes, heart disease, or an underactive thyroid among other issues.
Other symptoms
Dr Amir shared other symptoms to look out for. These include fatigue.
He said: “Now remember 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.”
You might also have shortness of breath and chest pain. He continued: “Now when haemoglobin, the red pigment in your blood cells, are low with iron deficiency, oxygen levels are typically low.
“This means that your muscles will receive enough oxygen to do everyday activities such as walking. As a result, your breathing rate will increase as your body tries to get more oxygen in, resulting in shortness of breath.
“Your heart is also working harder to put what oxygen you have around your body and an unhappy hard-working heart will tell you it’s unhappy by giving you chest pain.”
You could also experience sores in the corners of your mouth, and restless leg syndrome, he said.
What to do if you have symptoms
He advised upping your iron intake, but also speaking to a professional if you have concerns. Dr Amir added: “Now, good sources of iron in our food include liver or red meat, shellfish, or if you’re vegetarian, legumes and pumpkin seeds are great.
“But if you’re worried, always speak to a healthcare professional.” On the NHS website, it says you should see a GP if you think you might have iron deficiency anaemia.
