Symptoms

• Symptoms of iron deficiency anemia include constant fatigue, a pale complexion, brittle fingernails and toenails, a sore or inflamed tongue, poor appetite and cravings for items like dirt or plastic.
  
  

Diagnosis

• The best way to find out if you have iron deficiency anemia is to get a complete blood count (CBC) blood test and have your doctor interpret it. The doctor will look at your ferratin and hematocrit levels.
  
  

Iron and Blood

• Blood cells need iron in order to manufacture hemoglobin. Hemoglobin is important because it helps red blood cells carry oxygen throughout the body.
  
  

Foods Rich in Iron

• Foods rich in iron include beef, shellfish, liver, beans, vitamin enriched breakfast cereals, asparagus and baked potato skins. Pregnant women need to stay away from liver.
  
  

Warning

• More is not better with iron supplements. Taking too much iron can make you sick, usually with nausea and diarrhea.