Iron deficiency and nails

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Iron Deficiency and Nails: A Comprehensive Overview

Iron Deficiency and Nail Composition

Iron Content in Nails

Research has shown conflicting results regarding the iron content in nails of iron-deficient individuals. One study found no significant difference in the iron content of fingernails between iron-deficient women and healthy controls, suggesting that nail iron content does not reflect overall iron status . Conversely, another study indicated that the iron content in nails could reflect an individual's iron status, proposing nail sampling as a non-invasive method to assess iron levels .

Structural Changes in Nails

Iron deficiency can lead to various structural changes in nails. A notable condition is koilonychia, characterized by spoon-shaped nails, which is commonly associated with chronic iron deficiency . Additionally, iron deficiency can cause nail dystrophy, where nails become white, flaky, and prone to shedding, as observed in a patient whose nails returned to normal after iron therapy .

Diagnostic and Predictive Tools

Non-Invasive Detection Methods

Innovative approaches have been developed to detect iron deficiency through nail analysis. A device utilizing image processing and Faster R-CNN object detection has shown high accuracy in identifying nail symptoms indicative of iron deficiency, making it a valuable tool for early detection, especially in remote areas .

Clinical Features and Associated Conditions

Iron deficiency can manifest in various dermatological symptoms, including changes in hair, nails, and skin. These symptoms can serve as early indicators of undiagnosed iron deficiency, prompting further investigation and treatment . In children, iron deficiency often presents with koilonychia, picky eating, and poor appetite, highlighting the importance of early diagnosis and intervention to prevent developmental delays .

Conclusion

Iron deficiency can significantly impact nail health, leading to structural changes and potential diagnostic markers. While the iron content in nails may not consistently reflect iron status, structural abnormalities like koilonychia and nail dystrophy are reliable indicators. Non-invasive diagnostic tools and early recognition of dermatological symptoms can aid in the timely management of iron deficiency, improving patient outcomes.

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Most relevant research papers on this topic

The iron content of finger-nails in iron deficient patients.

The iron content of finger-nails in iron deficient patients does not reflect their iron status, as it is similar to healthy women and does not correlate with serum iron or haemoglobin levels.

Observational Study

1987·

14citations

·M. Djaldetti et al.

Clinical science·

DOI

Human nails and body iron.

Nail sampling is a cheap, noninvasive method for assessing an individual's iron status, reflecting the amount of iron present in the individual's body.

Observational Study

1978·

21citations

·S. Sobolewski et al.

Journal of Clinical Pathology·

DOI

Nail dystrophy associated with iron deficiency anaemia

Nail dystrophy associated with iron deficiency anaemia can be treated with oral iron therapy, reverting to normal.

Case Report

1988·

6citations

·S. Handfield‐Jones et al.

Clinical and Experimental Dermatology·

DOI

ChecKuko: Non-Invasive Early Detection of Iron Deficiency Nail Symptoms through Image Processing Using Faster R-CNN

The ChecKuko device effectively detects iron deficiency symptoms in fingernails using image processing using Faster R-CNN, offering potential for remote and rural health centers.

2022·

5citations

·Kianna Louise Guintu et al.

2022 IEEE Global Conference on Artificial Intelligence and Internet of Things (GCAIoT)·

DOI

Iron deficiency: structural and microchemical changes in hair, nails, and skin.

Iron deficiency can cause various cutaneous changes, including changes in hair, nails, mucosa, and tongue, as well as chronic inflammation, dermatitis herpetiformis, and photodermatitis.

Literature Review

1991·

62citations

·S. Sato

Seminars in dermatology

Iron Deficiency in Young Children Beyond Anemia: Clinical Features, Maternal Factors, and the Predictor for Neuropsychomotor Development Delay

Iron deficiency in young children is prevalent and can cause neurocognitive development delays, especially in those with long-term exclusive breastfeeding.

2023·

0citations

·Mei-Mei Cheng et al.

Blood·

DOI

Spooning of the nails and webbing of the esophagus: koilonychia and Plummer–Vinson Syndrome

Chronic iron deficiency can cause nail deformities and esophageal webs, prompting clinicians to consider it as a cause of anemia.

Case Report

2015·

4citations

·Ankit Mangla et al.

Clinical Case Reports·

DOI

Symptomatic Iron Deficiency without Anemia: An Underrecognized Phenomenon

Iron deficiency without anemia can significantly contribute to patient symptoms, such as fatigue, pica, restless leg syndrome, cold intolerance, and hair and/or nail changes, and should be identified and treated accordingly.

2023·

5citations

·Mert Sevgi et al.

Blood·

DOI

Pagophagia and restless legs syndrome are highly associated with iron deficiency and should be included in histories evaluating anemia

Pagophagia and restless legs syndrome are strongly associated with iron deficiency, and should be included in histories evaluating anemia to improve detection and prevent long-term health consequences.

Rigorous Journal

2022·

14citations

·M. Achebe et al.

American Journal of Hematology·

DOI

Lesson of the week: cyclosporin treatment for ulcerative colitis complicated by fatal pneumocystis carinii pneumonia

Iron deficiency anaemia is the most common cause of anaemia worldwide, with symptoms varying depending on the severity of the anaemia and the cause of the anaemia.

1997·

63citations

·Virginia A. Quan et al.

BMJ·

DOI

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