COVID-19 and Iron Deficiency

Written By Delainne B.

As the name implies, iron deficiency anemia is due to insufficient iron. Without enough iron, your body can't produce enough of a substance in red blood cells that enables them to carry oxygen (hemoglobin). As a result, iron deficiency anemia may leave you tired and short of breath. This article explains the signs and symptoms of iron deficiency in long COVID.

Updated February 19, 2024

As the name implies, iron deficiency anemia is due to insufficient iron. Without enough iron, your body can't produce enough of a substance in red blood cells that enables them to carry oxygen (hemoglobin). As a result, iron deficiency anemia may leave you tired and short of breath. This article explains the signs and symptoms of iron deficiency in long COVID.

COVID-19 consumes iron in your body during the acute (contagious) phase of the disease. This may be a contributing factor in fatigue and weakness. Some people, especially those hospitalized for COVID, may be treated with oral supplements or IV iron infusions. This condition needs to be monitored with bloodwork because too much iron can damage the body and, in some people with Long COVID, the regulatory system stops working properly and body starts to store too much iron in the form if ferritin.

Your body uses iron to make hemoglobin, a protein in red blood cells that carries oxygen from the lungs to all parts of the body, and myoglobin, a protein that provides oxygen to muscles. Your body also needs iron to make some hormones. Iron metabolism and anemia play an important role in multiple organ dysfunction syndrome in COVID-19. The body stored extra reserves of iron in the form of Ferritin.

Symptoms

Early on, iron deficiency anemia may be unnoticeable, but as it worsens, the signs and symptoms intensify.

Common iron deficiency anemia signs and symptoms:

  • Heaviness in the legs or arms

  • Extreme fatigue

  • Shortness of breath

  • Weakness

  • Pale or pasty skin

  • Chest pain or a fast heartbeat

  • Headache, dizziness or light headedness

  • Cold hands and feet

  • Inflammation or soreness of your tongue

  • Brittle nails

  • Unusual cravings for non-nutritive substances, such as ice, dirt or starch (called Pica)

  • Poor appetite, especially in infants and children with iron deficiency anemia

When to see a doctor

Contact your doctor if you experience any of the signs and symptoms listed above. Don’t try to treat this without guidance. Iron, ferritin hemoglobin levels can easily be monitored with blood work. If you are concerned about any of the symptoms listed here, ask your MD to check a full iron panel, ferritin levels, hemoglobin, hematocrit and others.

Iron deficiency anemia isn't something to self-diagnose or treat. Be careful not to overload the body with iron because it can be dangerous if the excess iron accumulates. It can damage the liver, heart, thyroid and eyes, and cause other complications. And sometimes additional tests or treatments for iron deficiency anemia are necessary, especially if your doctor suspects that you're bleeding internally.

Most of the time you can usually correct iron deficiency anemia with iron supplements and vitamin C.

Vitamin C increases iron absorption

Drinking citrus juice or eating foods rich in vitamin C when you take iron supplements or eat high-iron foods helps your body to absorb iron more efficiently. Vitamin C can be found in:

  • Vitamin C supplements

  • Multiple vitamins

  • Broccoli

  • Grapefruit

  • Kiwi

  • Leafy greens

  • Melons

  • Oranges

  • Peppers

  • Strawberries

  • Tangerines

  • Tomatoes

If you are following the low histamine or low sugar diet in an effort to manage inflammation, you should keep track of how you are feeling after eating any of the foods listed in this article. Remember that what works for one person may not work for you. Listen to your body and pay attention to how you feel a few hours after you eat.

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Delainne B.
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