Am I iron deficient?

mfergie889

I have been a vegetarian since last August...I eat lots of leafy vegetables (especially spinach) as well as beans (particularly black). I have noticed I have ridiculously brittle nails lately (think Black Swan), and have been experiencing memory loss, dropping things, and feeling "not all there". My hands and feel are ALWAYS cold, but I've always had bad circulation.

I started taking women's one-a-day multivitamin this week, and am going to be more conscious of my iron intake. Does this sound like symptoms of iron deficiency or maybe another nutritional defecit?

squitzwife

it's a possibility. Check with our doctor. Whether or not you think you are iron deficient I would HIGHLY recommend you go see your doctor about your symptoms.

I'm "not all there" and I drop things when my blood sugar is low. Are you eating lots of protein? (soy, beans, combo of grains and legumes)? they will help you to keep your blood sugar stable. This does not mean you are diabetic, only that you may struggle with blood sugar balance.

Definitely book yourself a dr's appointment.

6Janelle13

Try looking up anemia on Mayo Clinic. It is possible that you are but your nails also indicate other possible nutritional needs. I would give the vitamins a few weeks to work and see if some of the symptoms subside, if not consult your doctor, who will likely order a simple blood test to determine what your body is producing, using and storing to examine what you are lacking.

gangstagirl625

I am no DR. but i think it could be your protien intake since you dont eat meat how much protien do you take in in a day? For every pound that you weigh is how many grams of protien you should comsume (125lbs=125g of protien). not 100% sure.

mfergie889

Thank you for everyone's help. Ive been skimping on my eggs and fish lately...I really need to make sure Im getting my daily requirement of protein.

Hopefully I see an improvement with the vitamins, otherwise I will go get checked out.

NutritionDivaRD

You should not attempt to self-diagnosis or treat anemia on your own. Some of your symptoms do sound like anemia symptoms. I would suggest you see your doctor as he/she can make an appropriate diagnosis and give you proper guidance.

Vegetarians are at a greater risk of anemia as the iron in plant foods isn't as easily absorbed by the body as iron in meats. However, knowing the right foods to eat will help you improve your iron stores. If you aren't vegan you can eat eggs as well as iron-fortified breads, pastas, and grains (read your labels), peas, nuts and seeds, dark green leafy veggies (such as spinach which you are doing...good for you!), beans (again you are doing this), and dried fruits such as raisins or apricots. Keep in mind that the sugar in dried fruits is more concentrated so keep an eye on your portion sizes.

Another tip is that calcium inhibits the absorption of iron so do not have milk with your meals. Milk should be consumed between meals. Also, vitamin C enhances iron absorption, so DO have an orange or glass of orange juice with your meals (or perhaps just before).

Again, I think you should see your doctor. Good luck to you! Hope these tips help!

JBennis1013

I am not a Dr, but those are some symptoms of thyroid problems...I'd check with your dr though

cupcakelover103

I would get a blood test asap. Sounds like you should get tested for Vitamin D3, Iron and hypothyroidism.

kimwig

I have been a vegetarian since last August...I eat lots of leafy vegetables (especially spinach) as well as beans (particularly black). I have noticed I have ridiculously brittle nails lately (think Black Swan), and have been experiencing memory loss, dropping things, and feeling "not all there". My hands and feel are ALWAYS cold, but I've always had bad circulation.

I started taking women's one-a-day multivitamin this week, and am going to be more conscious of my iron intake. Does this sound like symptoms of iron deficiency or maybe another nutritional defecit?

I am a vegan, so appreciate your concern regarding deficiencies, and would always suggest a blood check.

In advance of that a good daily vitamin and mineral supplement would be a great idea, that way you can be sure you have what you need. I also take a daily (1000mg) fish oil capsule (to ensue I have my omega 3 fatty acids which are vital for cell function), and I take calcium supplement.

Looked at your diary (which is a great healthy diary), and see that you have (most days) around 50g protein, which is near the mark (FDA recommends for females around .75 g per kg body weight per day), so that does not look like a problem (though you need to make sure you are getting complete protein, that is from a range of legumes and veg if you are not eating meat)

Anemia is often shown by pale gums, but a blood test is the only way to know.

Hope that helps

I have brittle nails, and found that my calcium supplement helped me.

mfergie889

I have been a vegetarian since last August...I eat lots of leafy vegetables (especially spinach) as well as beans (particularly black). I have noticed I have ridiculously brittle nails lately (think Black Swan), and have been experiencing memory loss, dropping things, and feeling "not all there". My hands and feel are ALWAYS cold, but I've always had bad circulation.

I started taking women's one-a-day multivitamin this week, and am going to be more conscious of my iron intake. Does this sound like symptoms of iron deficiency or maybe another nutritional defecit?

I am a vegan, so appreciate your concern regarding deficiencies, and would always suggest a blood check.

In advance of that a good daily vitamin and mineral supplement would be a great idea, that way you can be sure you have what you need. I also take a daily (1000mg) fish oil capsule (to ensue I have my omega 3 fatty acids which are vital for cell function), and I take calcium supplement.

Looked at your diary (which is a great healthy diary), and see that you have (most days) around 50g protein, which is near the mark (FDA recommends for females around .75 g per kg body weight per day), so that does not look like a problem (though you need to make sure you are getting complete protein, that is from a range of legumes and veg if you are not eating meat)

Anemia is often shown by pale gums, but a blood test is the only way to know.

Hope that helps

I have brittle nails, and found that my calcium supplement helped me.

Thank you!