Beyond fatigue and pallor, what symptom can indicate iron deficiency anemia?

• A. Pica or brittle nails
• B. Increased thirst
• C. Weight gain
• D. Elevated mood

Answer: (A)

Pica and brittle nails are classic clues of iron deficiency anemia. When iron stores are low, the body’s ability to make healthy hemoglobin drops, leading to symptoms like fatigue and pallor, and it can also manifest in other signs such as changes in nails and cravings for nonfood substances. Pica involves craving and chewing nonnutritive items like ice, starch, or dirt, and this phenomenon is sometimes seen in people with iron deficiency. Brittle, spoon-shaped nails (koilonychia) reflect altered nail growth linked to the lack of iron needed for keratin formation. These signs appear as the body responds to reduced iron availability and improved iron status with treatment often reverses them. Increased thirst, weight gain, and elevated mood are not typical features of iron deficiency anemia.