Without enough iron, body is unable to produce enough hemoglobin and as a result of this muscles get less oxygen which reduces the body energy. It occurs slowly when the normal stores of iron are quite low in the body. To produce red blood cells, the body needs, iron, folic acid and vitamin B12. If there is a lack of one or more of these things, anemia will evolve. It must be remembered that anemia is the last result of chronic iron deficiency.
Finger nails become thin, brittle and white.
They may grow abnormally and get a spoon-shaped appearance. This condition is called glottises. A strong desire to eat nonfoods such as ice, paint or dirt. A condition called pica. These symptoms are quite general and could also indicate other health problems or blood disorders.