Iron deficiency: Do NOT overlook the sign inside your lower eyelid

Red blood cells (RBCs) are an important aspect of the human body. Not only does it carry oxygen from our lungs to the rest of our bodies, but it also releases carbon dioxide to your lungs for you to exhale. Our body depends on healthy iron levels in the body for the production of RBCs.

Having said that, insufficiency or deficiency of this vital mineral can often lead to a varied range of symptoms including fatigue and shortness of breath. This occurs because the body is no longer capable of producing blood cells central to carrying oxygen to different parts of the body.

Furthermore, low levels of iron in the body is also associated with a serious condition called anemia, which is why the state of deficiency is often called iron deficiency anemia.

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Iron deficiency affects the healthy production of red blood cells in the body, which hampers several bodily functions. However, often one part of the body that is unexplored are the eyes. This mineral deficiency can also take a serious toll on one's optical health.

Experts believe iron deficiency can prevent the blood from carrying sufficient oxygen to the eye tissues, which could lead to paleness and which is why doctors often search for paleness in their patients when looking for signs of iron deficiency.

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Persistent weakness and fatigue can become a cause for concern and may land you in a doctor's chamber. It is likely that your doctor may conduct some basic examinations including checking your lower eyelids. This is because they're looking for paleness in the lower eyelids, which can be an indicator of iron deficiency.

The hemoglobin in the red blood cells is what gives the blood its colour. Therefore, low levels or lack of iron in the body can make your blood less like it.

Usually, a normal eye appears pale pink in colour. However, if you're deficient in iron in the body, your inner eyelid may seem more white.

According to the National Health, Lung and Blood Institute, “People with mild or moderate iron-deficiency anemia may not have any symptoms.

"More serious iron-deficiency anemia may cause common symptoms of anemia, such as tiredness, shortness of breath or chest pain."

Furthermore, iron deficiency can cause other symptoms including dizziness, cold hands and feet, pale skin, as discussed, brittle nails and inflammation of the tongue.

In order to confirm your diagnosis, your doctor may advise you to get a full blood count (FBC) test, which will determine the red blood cell size and colour, hematocrit, which is the percentage of your blood volume made up by red blood cells, hemoglobin, and ferritin levels, a protein that helps store iron in your body.

There are a number of foods that can increase the levels of iron in the body.

According to the Mayo Clinic, red meat, seafood, beans, dark leafy vegetables such as spinach, dried fruits and iron-fortified cereals like breads and pastas are healthy and some of the best food sources of iron.

Furthermore, to increase iron absorption, include foods that are rich in vitamin C, or ascorbic acid.

Taking supplements completely depends on how severe your deficiency is. After getting yourself tested, your doctor will inform you whether or not you require supplementation.

Only when the iron levels are too low, supplements are prescribed, else doctors recommend having iron-rich foods.