Understanding Blood Health
Knowledge is the first step to better health outcomes for you and your family.
Your blood carries oxygen to every cell in your body through red blood cells containing hemoglobin. Hemoglobin is made from iron, which is why iron is so essential for healthy blood. When you don’t have enough iron, your body can’t make enough hemoglobin, and when you don’t have enough healthy red blood cells or hemoglobin, you have anemia.
Iron deficiency is one of the most common nutritional deficiencies worldwide, and it often comes before anemia. Many people have low iron levels without knowing it—a condition called iron deficiency without anemia. If caught and treated early, you can prevent it from progressing to full anemia. Anemia itself affects billions of people worldwide, particularly pregnant women and young children, and can impact your energy levels, pregnancy outcomes, child development, and overall quality of life.
Certain groups are more likely to develop iron deficiency and anemia, including pregnant women (who need more iron for their baby), young children under five, women of childbearing age (due to monthly blood loss), and people with chronic medical conditions. If you’re in any of these groups, it’s important to have your iron levels and hemoglobin checked regularly and talk to your doctor about prevention.
Common Symptoms of Iron Deficiency & Anemia
Anemia can develop gradually, so symptoms may be easy to miss at first. Many people don’t realize they have anemia until it’s detected through a routine blood test. However, there are warning signs your body may give you.
If you experience any of these symptoms, especially if you have multiple symptoms together, it’s worth talking to your doctor about getting your hemoglobin levels checked:
- Unusual tiredness or weakness that doesn't improve with rest
- Dizziness or lightheadedness, especially when standing up
- Shortness of breath during normal activities
- Pale skin, nail beds, or inside of eyelids
- Cold hands and feet, even in warm weather
- Rapid or irregular heartbeat
- Headaches, particularly with activity
- Difficulty concentrating or brain fog
If you experience these symptoms, talk to your doctor about getting tested. Ask for a complete blood count (CBC) to check your hemoglobin levels and a ferritin test to check your iron stores. It’s important to test both—you can have normal hemoglobin but still be iron deficient, which can only be detected by checking ferritin. Early detection makes treatment easier and more effective.
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