Menu Healthy Lifestyle Diseases & Conditions First Aid Symptoms Tests & Procedures Videos Definitions FAQs Iron deficiencyUpdated: 2019-10-22OverviewIron deficiency is too little iron in the body. It's a common cause of too few healthy red blood cells in the body (anemia). Iron deficiency can lead to heart conditions in anyone. In a pregnant woman, iron deficiency puts the baby at risk of developmental delays.SymptomsSymptoms may include extreme fatigue, weakness, headache, dizziness, shortness of breath, brittle nails and poor appetite.TreatmentsTreatment includes iron supplements and a focus on any underlying causes. © 1998-2022 Mayo Foundation for Medical Education and Research(MFMER). All rights reserved. Terms of Use