Iron deficiency can have multiple impacts on human health, involving functional abnormalities in multiple systems. Firstly, iron is an important raw material for synthesizing hemoglobin. Iron deficiency can lead to insufficient hemoglobin production, causing iron deficiency anemia. Patients often exhibit symptoms such as pale complexion, dizziness, fatigue, palpitations, and in severe cases, hypoxia such as shortness of breath. Due to the fact that hemoglobin is responsible for transporting oxygen, iron deficiency anemia can result in insufficient oxygen supply to tissues and organs throughout the body, affecting normal metabolism.

Secondly, iron deficiency can significantly affect the function of the immune system. Iron plays an important role in lymphocyte proliferation and phagocytic function. Iron deficiency can lead to weakened immunity, making the body more prone to recurrent infections and slowing down wound healing. Research has shown that the vaccination effectiveness of iron deficient individuals may be affected, resulting in a significant reduction in their resistance to pathogens.

In terms of the nervous system, iron is involved in neurotransmitter synthesis and myelin formation. Iron deficiency in children may lead to lack of concentration, memory loss, and affect cognitive development; Adults may experience problems such as slow thinking and decreased work efficiency. Long term iron deficiency may also affect emotional regulation and even trigger pica, manifested as an appetite for non food substances such as soil and sand.

Iron deficiency can also affect digestive system function. Iron deficiency can lead to a decrease in gastric acid secretion, affecting digestive function. Patients may experience digestive symptoms such as decreased appetite, bloating, and nausea. The oral mucosa can also be affected, leading to lesions such as oral ulcers and glossitis, and in severe cases, atrophic glossitis.

For special populations, the harm of iron deficiency is more significant. Iron deficiency in pregnant women increases the risk of premature birth and affects fetal neurological development; Iron deficiency in infants and young children may lead to delayed motor development and growth arrest. Adolescent iron deficiency may lead to abnormal growth and development, affecting the normal process of physical development.

In addition, iron deficiency can also affect skin and nail health. Iron deficiency can lead to dry and flaky skin, thinning and fragility of nails, and in severe cases, characteristic changes such as spoon shaped nails. Long term iron deficiency may also affect bone health and increase the risk of osteoporosis.