ITV This Morning health expert Dr Amir Khan says cracked lips can be sign of common blood disorder

Dr Amir Khan
-Credit: (Image: Dr Amir Khan/Instagram)


ITV's health expert Dr Amir Khan has issued advice on how to check for signs of iron deficiency, one of the most common blood disorders. Dr Khan has shared five signs and symptoms to be aware of to his Instagram followers.

Iron is important in producing red blood cells, which transport oxygen throughout the body. All the iron you require should be included in your everyday diet. However, a lack of iron can lead to iron deficiency anaemia. A deficit of iron, usually as a result of blood loss or pregnancy, is the primary cause of iron deficiency anaemia. It is treated with iron supplements and by consuming meals high in iron.

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One of the symptoms Dr Khan discusses is tiredness, iron helps the body make red pigment in blood that carries oxygen to all organs and if you don't have enough iron you won't be able to carry as much oxygen around your body. The ITV doctor says this deprives the body of vital energy making people tired.

Another symptom is shortness of breath and chest pain. Dr Khan highlights that when haemoglobin, which is the red pigment in your blood cells are low with iron deficiency this makes oxygen levels lower meaning your muscles won't receive enough oxygen to do everyday activities such as walking. Dr Khan adds: "As a result breathing rate will increase as your body tries to get more oxygen in resulting in shortness of breath. Your heart is working harder to put more oxygen you have around your body and any unhappy hardworking heart will tell you it's unhappy by giving you chest pain."

Cracks in the corners of your mouth can be another sign of iron deficiency. Dr Khan said: "Iron plays a key role in skin health and wound healing and if you are low you can get sores in the corner of your mouth. This is called Angular cheilitis" A further sign is your nails may be brittle or spoon shaped. They will look concave instead of growing flat, a condition called Koilonychia.

The final symptom shared by Dr Khan is restless legs. He said: "Iron deficiency can lead to restless leg syndrome as it can drop dopamine in your blood this condition involves a strong urge to move your legs while they're at rest or may cause unpleasant crawling sensations or itchiness in your feet and legs. It's usually worse at night and can make it difficult to sleep."

The health expert advises there are plenty of good sources of iron in our food including liver, red meat, shellfish or pumpkin seeds. Other symptoms of iron deficiency listed on the NHS website or listed below, as well as things you can do to help with iron deficiency anaemia.

Symptoms of iron deficiency include:

  • tiredness and lack of energy

  • shortness of breath

  • noticeable heartbeats (heart palpitations)

  • paler than usual skin

  • headaches

Things you can do to help with iron deficiency anaemia:

Eat more:

  • dark-green leafy vegetables like watercress and curly kale

  • cereals and bread with extra iron in them (fortified)

  • meat

  • dried fruit like apricots, prunes and raisins

  • pulses (beans, peas and lentils)

Eat and drink less:

  • tea

  • coffee

  • milk and dairy

  • foods with high levels of phytic acid, such as wholegrain cereals, which can stop your body absorbing iron from other foods