“Can low iron cause behavior problems?”
My daughter has behavior problems. She was diagnosed with low iron. Can low iron cause behavior problems?
2 Answers
That is very possible. With a decrease in the iron, the red cell count declines which causes fatigue and shortness of breath.
If iron is low enough, patients can have unusual cravings such as craving for ice, clay, metal, etc. It is called pica. Another way behavior can be affected is if iron deficiency causes severe anemia. Anemia refers to a blood condition where you do not have enough hemoglobin to transport oxygen to your brain and vital organs. This decrease in oxygen delivery can cause many symptoms, including, but not limited to fatigue, shortness of breath, palpitations, impaired cognitive functions, and many others. On the other hand, behavior changes can be a manifestation of so many other problems. Only a thorough medical evaluation can establish the diagnosis and the cause.
