The doctor explained the craving for strange odors in people with iron deficiency and its causes

Iron deficiency is a common violation of the micronutrient balance, especially in women of reproductive age, children and people with chronic diseases. On August 5, Galina Chudinskaya, a neurologist at JSC "Medicine" (Academician Roitberg Clinic), a doctor of the highest category, told Izvestia about the effect of anemia on the sense of smell and what flavors can attract people with iron deficiency.

According to her, in addition to the classic symptoms such as fatigue and pale skin, more and more studies confirm the effect of iron deficiency on the sense of smell. Iron plays an important role in the functioning of the central nervous system and the synthesis of dopamine, which is directly related to the perception of odors. Patients with iron deficiency anemia have both increased sensitivity to odors and decreased sensitivity to odors, as well as dysosmia, a perverse perception of odors.

"Clinical observations and studies indicate specific odor preferences in patients with iron deficiency. The most commonly described craving is for: the smell of metal (for example, the smell of coins, nails, iron objects); the smell of gasoline, paint or solvents; the smell of damp earth, clay or chalk (which is associated with geophagy — eating the earth)," said the specialist.

She noted that the craving for strange odors in people with iron deficiency is a clinically significant symptom that requires attention. It may indicate disorders of dopaminergic transmission and is associated with Peak syndrome. The doctor should suspect an iron deficiency condition and prescribe an examination: the level of hemoglobin, serum iron, ferritin and OHSS. Correction of iron deficiency often leads to the disappearance of pathological cravings for odors and an improvement in the quality of life. Early diagnosis and treatment of iron deficiency helps prevent neurological and behavioral disorders.

In addition to changes in the sense of smell, Chudinskaya added, iron deficiency is accompanied by a wide range of symptoms: fatigue, weakness, dizziness, pale skin and impaired concentration. Pick's syndrome is considered as part of the neurological imbalance in chronic anemia.

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On January 26, Denis Banny, an expert at the Hemotest laboratory, told Izvestia that chronic iron deficiency disrupts the functioning of many systems and organs: the risk of heart failure and tachycardia increases, concentration, memory and learning ability deteriorate, the body becomes vulnerable to infections, women's menstrual cycle is disrupted, difficulties arise with conception.

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