11. Shortness of breath
Another symptom of iron deficiency is shortness of breath or chest pain, especially with activities. Hemoglobin enables your red blood cells to carry oxygen throughout the body. Oxygen levels also decrease when your body’s hemoglobin is low during iron deficiency. This means that your muscles do not get enough oxygen to perform normal activities such as walking. As a result of your body trying to get more oxygen, your breathing rate increases. Shortness of breath is a common symptom in people with iron deficiency. If you have difficulty breathing with simple, normal, daily tasks such as walking, climbing stairs, or working out, most of the time it can be a sign of iron deficiency