Which of the following are common signs and symptoms of iron deficiency anemia?

• A. Fatigue, pallor, shortness of breath, and reduced exercise tolerance
• B. Nausea and hair loss
• C. Hypertension and edema
• D. Weight gain and edema

Answer: (A)

Iron is needed to make hemoglobin, the oxygen-carrying component of red blood cells. When iron stores are low, hemoglobin synthesis drops, reducing the blood’s ability to deliver oxygen to tissues. That lack of oxygen is felt most as fatigue and pallor, and it also makes exertion feel harder, causing shortness of breath with activity and decreased exercise tolerance. These signs are classic because they reflect the body’s attempt to compensate for lower oxygen delivery.

Nausea and hair loss can occur in various conditions but are not the hallmark signs of iron deficiency anemia. Hypertension and edema, or weight gain with edema, point more toward fluid problems or cardiovascular/renal issues and are not typical primary features of iron deficiency.