What Nigerians in the UK Should Know
Feeling tired all the time? Struggling with low energy, headaches, or constant cold—even indoors? It may not just be stress, work, or “UK weather.” It could be low iron levels.
Iron is an essential nutrient that helps your body carry oxygen in the blood. When iron levels drop, your brain, muscles, heart, and immune system don’t get enough oxygen to function well.
Iron deficiency is common among women, migrants, students, new mums, vegetarians, and people with heavy workloads—groups that include many Nigerians living in the UK.
Here are 10 key signs your iron levels might be low.
1. Constant Fatigue & Poor Exercise Tolerance
Iron helps make haemoglobin, the protein that carries oxygen in your blood. When iron is low, your body struggles to deliver oxygen to muscles and organs.
You may notice:
- Feeling tired even after sleeping
- Getting exhausted easily
- Struggling with stairs, walking, or light exercise
This kind of tiredness doesn’t improve with rest alone.
2. Low Mood, Irritability & “Brain Fog”
Iron plays a role in brain chemicals like dopamine and serotonin, which affect mood and focus.
Low iron may cause:
- Low mood or mild depression
- Irritability or nervousness
- Difficulty concentrating
- Forgetfulness or mental fog
If you feel mentally “slow” or unfocused, iron deficiency could be contributing.
3. Frequent Headaches or Migraines
Low iron reduces oxygen supply to the brain. This can trigger:
- Regular headaches
- Migraines (especially in women)
- Headaches that happen many days in a month
Untreated iron deficiency can progress to iron-deficiency anaemia, which is strongly linked to migraines.
4. Dizziness or Feeling Light-Headed
If your brain isn’t getting enough oxygen, you may experience:
- Dizziness
- Feeling faint
- Unsteadiness when standing
This can be especially noticeable when standing up quickly or after physical activity.
5. Unusual Cravings (Pica)
A lesser-known sign of low iron is pica—craving non-food items.
This may include cravings for:
- Ice
- Clay or dirt
- Paper
- Chalk or starch
While it may feel embarrassing, it’s a recognised medical symptom and worth discussing with your GP.
6. Restless Legs at Night
Restless Leg Syndrome causes:
- Uncomfortable leg sensations
- A strong urge to move your legs, especially at night
- Poor sleep due to constant leg movement
Low iron affects dopamine, a brain chemical that controls movement.
7. Changes to Skin, Hair & Nails
Iron supports healthy skin and hair growth. Low levels may cause:
- Pale or yellowish skin
- Hair thinning or hair loss
- Brittle or spoon-shaped nails
- Cracks at the corners of the mouth
- Slow wound healing
If your appearance has changed without explanation, iron could be a factor.
8. Feeling Cold All the Time
Even indoors, you may:
- Feel unusually cold
- Have cold hands and feet
- Experience tingling or numbness
Low iron reduces oxygen circulation, so your body struggles to maintain warmth.
9. Shortness of Breath
When iron is low, your blood can’t carry enough oxygen.
You may notice:
- Breathlessness with light activity
- Feeling winded walking short distances
- Needing to pause often when moving
This is common in iron-deficiency anaemia.
10. Heart Palpitations
With less oxygen in the blood, the heart works harder.
You may feel:
- A fast or pounding heartbeat
- Fluttering or skipping sensations
- Chest discomfort (seek urgent help if severe)
Low iron can worsen existing heart conditions.
Why This Matters for Nigerians in the UK 🇬🇧🇳🇬
Iron deficiency is common due to:
- Heavy menstrual periods
- Pregnancy or breastfeeding
- Diet changes after relocating
- Stressful work schedules
- Limited intake of iron-rich foods
Many people assume symptoms are “normal stress” or “UK weather,” delaying diagnosis.
What You Should Do
- Ask your GP for a blood test if you recognise several symptoms
- Do not self-medicate with iron supplements without medical advice
- Eat iron-rich foods (red meat, beans, spinach, fortified cereals)
- Combine iron foods with vitamin C to improve absorption
Final Word
Iron deficiency is treatable, but ignoring it can affect your energy, mental health, heart, and quality of life.
If your body has been sending warning signs, listen to it.
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