What are the 5 signs of iron deficiency?

The five most commonly reported are: persistent fatigue that sleep doesn't resolve; hair thinning or noticeably increased shedding; brittle or spoon-shaped nails; difficulty concentrating or a sense of mental fog; and shortness of breath with exertion that feels disproportionate to the activity. Pale inner eyelids or gums, restless legs at night, and unusual food cravings (particularly for ice or starchy foods) are also frequently reported. Because these symptoms are non-specific, they are often attributed to stress, poor sleep, or other causes, which is part of why deficiency goes undetected for as long as it does.