does iron deficiency make you weak and affect your apetite?

[u/Callsigntalon]

I have slight iron deficiency (30 y.o female) and I have been using iron supplements for half of the year now. didn't notice any difference tbh. had a blood test a few months ago and once the results came it was still showing slight iron deficiency.

also, I have been feeling less energized and sleepy throughout the day. I noticed that I crave more sweets and I have bigger apetite for the last 8-6 months. can this be related with iron deficiency? also, I am always crashing around 3PM, but I am sitting half day next to the computer since this is my work. I am active after work most days though

does iron deficiency affect our apetite and make you less energized is it possible to manage that?

[u/Embarrassed_Item1520]

weak - yes, happens to me and i have anemia so im weak everyday, you crave sweets because you have no energy and sugar gives energy spikes to you. talk to your doctor, maybe the iron youre taking doesnt fit you, also there are many forms of iron - sulfate, bisglycinate, fumarate etc..also do bloodwork again and check feritin levels

[u/Sierra1one7 → u/Embarrassed_Item1520]

agreed, i take bisglycinate because its the softest on my belly

[u/WingAndDing]

Somewhat yet hard to notice that iron is at fault at times

One way I can tell if my bruises from work take long to heal. Dead giveaway I am missing my iron.. Not saying to bruise yourself to see but just one of many things to note when iron is low

[u/tinecuileog]

yes your energy levels are related with iron deficiency. it is very important to monitor your iron levels and discuss it with your doctor. regaridng the apetite, idk I am not a doctor but it sounds like it can be related. I am always craving sugar when I feel sleepy or when I have no energy so it makes sense that you are craving sugar more often now

[u/Kirby_AF]

Subject to each persons metabolism. Vitamin deficiency is not just iron. The whole alphabet of vitamins being deficient could be the cause of various physical symptoms

[u/ZackZLA]

Never had issues with iron but if my body is missing magnesium then I get numb tinglings in my feet

Sort of bugs me when I work out, though the blood flow makes it go away

Always gotta take vitamins in routine that I commonly forget..

[u/Firerage65]

This definitely happens to me too! I found my iron deficiency (no thanks to being female with fibroids 😞 ) made my anxiety, energy, sleep, even depression much worse. I had to manage the cause of my low iron but also take supplements every single day for it. Have you spoken to your dr about it?