Recent medical guidelines have emphasized that pale skin or dark circles under the eyes are insufficient to indicate iron deficiency in the body, stressing the necessity of conducting laboratory tests for an accurate diagnosis. They clarified that relying solely on visible symptoms can be misleading, even when signs such as fatigue, poor concentration, and hair loss appear, which necessitates early medical intervention to confirm the diagnosis.
According to guidelines from the American Society of Hematology published in the scientific journal "Blood Advances" in August 2026, as reported by CNN, the evaluation of iron stores relies primarily on laboratory tests, with ferritin analysis being the foremost. This protein is responsible for storing iron in the body, taking into account age, health status, and the presence of infections that may affect the interpretation of results, emphasizing the importance of detecting deficiency even in cases not accompanied by anemia.
Iron is considered a fundamental element for producing hemoglobin, the protein found in red blood cells responsible for transporting oxygen to body tissues. Its deficiency can lead to multiple symptoms including fatigue, weakness, dizziness, difficulty concentrating, and shortness of breath, and is also linked to hair loss and brittle nails. It may progress to anemia when it affects red blood cell production. A scientific review prepared by researchers from the Red Blood Cells and Iron Working Group of the European Society of Hematology, published in the journal "HemaSphere," concluded that iron deficiency can cause symptoms even in the absence of anemia.
The likelihood of iron deficiency increases among women, children, and pregnant women due to increased bodily needs during growth and pregnancy. Deficiency may also be linked to diseases affecting absorption or blood loss resulting from gastrointestinal bleeding. It is advised to consult a doctor if fatigue or poor concentration persists, to determine the need for tests and identify the underlying cause, while emphasizing not to take iron supplements without medical advice, as treatment depends on test results and each person's health condition.
Source: Syrian Arab News Agency (SANA)
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