Symptoms

Symptoms of iron deficiency anemia may include:

• Cold hands and feet
• Brittle nails
• Cravings for non-food sustenance such as dirt or ice
• Extreme fatigue and weakness
• Pale skin
• Shortness of breath
• Headaches
• Sore or swollen tongue

Symptoms of iron overload (hemochromatosis) may include:

• Abdominal pain
• Joint pain
• Fatigue
• Weakness
• Loss of sexual drive
• Diabetes

When is best to test?

Iron is required for the production of red blood cells and removing carbon dioxide from the body. You should take the test if you:

• re suffering from an iron deficiency
• are suffering from hemochromatosis
• are vegetarian
• frequently donate blood
• are suffering from fatigue, low energy or low mood
• have a family history of hemochromatosis
• are from Northern Europe, you are more likely to suffer from hemochromatosis

The Science
Iron is an essential mineral that is necessary for the transport of oxygen via red blood cells and cells which are responsible for regulating the metabolism. Iron is measured in the body by examining iron levels that are attached to the protein transferrin.
Total Iron-Binding Capacity (TIBC) is a measure of all the available proteins for transporting iron around the body.
Ferritin stores iron in the body. Ferritin is tested to identify the storage capacity of iron in the body.
Transferrin is the primary carrier of proteins around the body, it is formed in the liver and the main function is transporting iron around the body.