People who notice their skin turning lighter, along with other symptoms, should see a doctor as soon as possible. It could prevent a serious issue that makes people more likely to get sick or struggle with heart or lung complications.

Speaking on TikTok, naturopathic doctor Dr Mac Toohey explained how a lack of a single vital mineral can manifest as clear physical warning signs. The medic claimed that a "telltale sign" of iron deficiency can sometimes be spotted a mile away - and it's down to the colour of your skin.

She said: "I'm not talking about if you haven't been in the sun for a few months, you look like something is not right because you have no oxygen circulating around [your body]." There are more red flags that people can spot themselves and bring up with their own doctor.

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People who are iron-deficient might notice hair and nail issues. Dr Toohey said: "Iron is going to carry your oxygen around all of your organs - and yes, that includes your skin, hair and nails.

"If you're low in oxygen, your body will prioritise giving it to your brain and your heart over these beauty tissues. That is why we see brittle hair and spooning nails when we are low in iron.

"In the same vein with hair, when we see a ferritin level (the storage form of iron) below 50, we also see hair loss." Below is a look at the warning signs people with pale skin may want to watch out for.

• tiredness and lack of energy


• shortness of breath


• noticeable heartbeats (heart palpitations)


• paler than usual skin


• headaches



• hair loss



• food tasting strange


• wanting to eat non-food items (like paper or ice)

To check whether you have iron-deficiency anaemia, your GP will ask you about your lifestyle and medical history. The GP will usually do a full blood count (FBC) to check whether your red blood cell count is normal.

Doctors may repeat blood tests over the next few months to ensure your iron levels return to normal. People who suspect they have low iron levels should get tested as soon as possible, as this can lead to a condition known as iron deficiency anaemia.

According to the NHS website, adults need different amounts of daily iron intake depending on their biological gender and age. For men over 19 and women over 50, the health service claims that 8.7mg per day is the target.

Women under 50, or still having periods after that age, need more iron in their systems to manage blood loss. The daily recommendation is 14.8mg.

Women who lose a lot of blood during their monthly period (heavy periods) are at higher risk of iron deficiency anaemia and may need to take iron supplements. Taking too many supplements, as well as natural iron from our diet, can lead to symptoms such as constipation, feeling or being sick and stomach pain.