The Correlation Between Anemia and Anxiety

Anemia could be a contributing cause of your anxiety and depression symptoms. Several studies link anemia, and more specifically iron deficiency anemia, to mental health problems. Requiring more research to confirm the connection, for many people, these conditions go hand in hand. Besides the constant fatigue, weakness, and headaches associated with anemia can have a negative effect on your emotional condition.

The last physical I had (several years ago), they told me I was anemic. I was told in a way “as a matter of fact”, then it was just brushed off. So, I didn’t pursue it and doing this research, I can see a lot of the symptoms in myself. The low oxygen levels- sometimes I get up from sitting and I feel like I’m going to pass out. Also, I have trouble breathing when I exert myself. Good example, walking up the stairs. Again, I feel like I’m going to pass out when I get to the last step.

“Love yourself first and everything else falls into place.” — Lucille Ball

Anemia and Anxiety and Depression

Low iron levels in the blood define a condition called iron deficiency anemia. Given that, research links this type of anemia to depression and anxiety. Among other vitamins and minerals, iron is an essential cofactor for synthesizing serotonin, an important neurotransmitter that influences mood. Iron deficiency can reduce serotonin levels, a potential cause of panic attacks. However, more studies are required to confirm the connection.

A 2018 cross-sectional study found a direct relationship between anemia and depression, findings that were later corroborated by a large systematic review and meta-analysis in 2020. Researchers noted that anemia can cause depressive symptoms (e.g., fatigue, irritability, and poor concentration) and impair brain oxygenation and performance. Deficiencies in iron, folate, and vitamin B12 deficiency, common causes of anemia, have also been linked to depression.

Therefore, reduced oxygen levels, termed hypoxia, from anemia negatively impact the brain, causing cognitive and mental health symptoms. Research shows that the prevalence of anemia is higher in patients with chronic psychiatric conditions and that this coexistence increases the severity of the psychological condition in these patients.

Anemia Symptoms Anxiety

 Anemia Insomnia Anxiety

The overlap of the same brain region linked to both hemoglobin levels and shorter sleep duration may suggest a common pathway in the development of anemia and insomnia. In addition, living with a chronic disease such as anemia may result in large stressors, leading to shorter sleep duration and more disturbed sleep.

 Anxiety and Low Iron

Can low iron cause anxiety? That’s the million dollar question! Consequently, there are individuals every week who are diagnosed with iron deficiency who don’t know it. Standard blood work isn’t enough. There are several markers that help us understand why iron is low but again conventional medicine rarely tests these. Low iron can cause fatigue, anxiety, depression and insomnia just to name a few common symptoms.

In addition, other symptoms of iron deficiency include palpitations, rapid heart rate, restless legs, infections, poor mental function brain fog and decreased tolerance for exercise. Athletic performance and capacity to work will be lower. This is because when iron is low it decreases oxygen availability and then myoglobin levels in muscle drops. Lactic acid builds up.

It can also be difficult to maintain proper body temperature. This can lead people to believe they have a thyroid problem. Brittle nails, sores around the mouth and loss of taste can occur. Iron deficiency happens prior to clinical anemia which is the final stage. Eight percent of premenopausal women are iron deficient.

“I never dreamed about success. I worked for it.” — Estée Lauder

Anemia and Anxiety Treatments

A 2013 study of schoolchildren in China found that of those who didn’t have access to a well-balanced diet, 42.4 percent were anemic. In sum, after taking a multivitamin, the rate of anemia in these students went down by 7 percentage points. Interestingly, these students also reported decreased anxiety.

Lab tests to diagnose anemia can include:

Complete blood count (CBC). This test measures the number of red blood cells, white blood cells, and platelets.
Vitamin B12 level test. This can identify low levels of B12.
Serum ferritin levels. This test measures iron stores in your body.
Serum iron levels. This measures the amount of available iron in your body.
Folate test. Low levels of folate can cause macrocytic anemia.

“If you cannot do great things, do small things in a great way.” — Napoleon Hill

Conclusion

Anemia reduces the amount of oxygen in your blood. The lack of oxygen could cause mental health disorders. Anemia causes symptoms such as shortness of breath, chest pains, palpitations, dizziness, and lightheadedness, which are symptoms also commonly seen in panic attacks. More research needs to be done to confirm the connection between anemia and panic attacks.

Guess whom I’m calling tomorrow…my doctor to schedule a physical. My anxiety may have manifested from anemia (if I have it). I’m knocking down another road block. Just when you feel life is hopeless and not gonna get any better, it throws a curve ball at you (and you hit it). You guys should start a blog on your specific mental illness, you’ll find out some interesting info about yourself. Well, I’m checking out to relax for a little bit. Until next time…

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