Persistent fatigue is often blamed on stress, poor sleep or busy schedules — but an overlooked nutrient deficiency may be playing a role. Iron is essential for hemoglobin production, the protein in red blood cells that carries oxygen to tissues throughout the body. When iron levels fall, oxygen delivery drops, cellular energy production slows and fatigue often follows.
Iron deficiency is especially common in menstruating women, pregnant and postpartum women, individuals with digestive disorders and those who avoid iron-rich foods. Symptoms can extend beyond low energy and include shortness of breath, brittle nails, thinning hair and a rapid heartbeat. Because oxygen fuels every cell, even mild deficiencies can leave you feeling depleted long before more serious anemia develops.
If iron deficiency is suspected, proper testing is essential before supplementation. Iron is not a nutrient to take blindly, as excess iron can increase oxidative stress. When levels are low, restoring them through targeted supplementation — ideally alongside vitamin C to enhance absorption — and a nutrient-dense diet that includes leafy greens, legumes and quality animal sources can help rebuild healthy oxygen transport and restore steady energy production.
SOURCE:
iHerb, July, 1, 2019