Women may be missing the warning signs of potentially fatal iron deficiency by mistaking them as harmless conditions, doctors have warned.

Iron is vital for the creation of red blood cells, which help transport oxygen around the body. But about one in ten women have iron deficiency anaemia – twice the number of men who develop the condition. A shortage of iron – found in red meat and leafy green vegetables – in our diets can raise the risk of heart disease, severe infection, and kidney failure.

While doctors at testing firm London Medical Laboratory say many people will recognize fatigue, extremely pale skin, shortness of breath, and palpitations as ‘red flags’ for the condition, lesser-known symptoms include tinnitus, hair loss, and mouth ulcers.

Many people will recognize fatigue, extremely pale skin, shortness of breath, and palpitations as ‘red flags’ for iron deficiency, but lesser-known symptoms include mouth ulcers, an altered sense of taste, difficulty swallowing, and a sore or itchy tongue.

The clinic also warns of an altered sense of taste, difficulty swallowing, and a sore or itchy tongue. Anaemia can be triggered by bleeding, so women with heavy periods are at increased risk. Bleeding in the stomach or intestines, as a side effect of an ulcer or overuse of anti-inflammatory drugs, is another cause.

‘Anyone suffering from these symptoms is recommended to seek medical advice and consider having a blood test to check for potential causes,’ says clinical lead Dr. Avinash Hari Narayanan. Pregnant and younger women should pay particular attention, as they’re more vulnerable to iron deficiency.