Is it Possible for Anemia to Result in Cold Hands and Feet?

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Understanding Anemia

Anemia occurs when there is a lack of healthy red blood cells to transport oxygen to the organs and tissues in the body. Hemoglobin, the iron-rich protein found in red blood cells, is responsible for carrying oxygen from the respiratory organs through the blood to the rest of the body. When there aren’t enough healthy red blood cells, due to iron deficiency or other causes, hemoglobin levels decrease, impacting the amount of oxygen organs receive.

Anemia can occur if:

• The body doesn’t produce sufficient red blood cells
• There is blood loss from bleeding
• The body destroys red blood cells
• Red blood cells are not formed properly or die faster than they should

About 3 million people in the US have anemia, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Anemia can be mild, moderate, or severe, and it can be acute or chronic. There are many types of anemia, each with its own cause.

Iron Deficiency Anemia

Iron deficiency anemia is the most common type of anemia. It occurs when there is a lack of oxygen-rich healthy red blood cells due to low levels of iron and, consequently, low levels of hemoglobin. People with iron deficiency produce fewer red blood cells. This shortage of iron causes iron deficiency anemia.

The World Health Organization reports that iron deficiency is the leading nutritional disorder worldwide. Risk factors for anemia include pregnancy, heavy menstrual bleeding, low iron, vitamin B12 or folate intake, gastrointestinal issues, blood donation, underlying health conditions, certain medications, and high alcohol intake.

Symptoms of Anemia

People with iron deficiency lack oxygen in their bodies. Symptoms may vary depending on age, current health status, and how severe the anemia is. Symptoms of iron deficiency include weakness, fatigue, shortness of breath, unusual pale skin, headaches, dizziness, fast or irregular heartbeat, brittle fingernails, unusual cravings for dirt or ice (pica syndrome), tingling in the legs, damaged or dry hair and skin, and cold hands and feet.

Can Anemia Make Your Hands and Feet Cold?

Yes, anemia can cause you to feel generally colder than other people and have difficulty maintaining body heat, particularly in the extremities (hands and feet).

Clinical studies show that iron deficiency anemia causes poor temperature regulation in humans. It is the main reason iron-deficient persons cannot regulate their temperature during cold weather. Research suggests this could be a result of a number of factors:

• Poor thyroid functions that often occur in iron-deficient individuals
• Issues with regulating heat loss rate
• Other issues with heat production

Anemia is also linked to blood circulatory issues and cardiovascular disease, especially if left untreated. These issues can affect the blood flow to the extremities.

Other Causes of Cold Feet

Besides anemia, other conditions likely to cause cold feet include Raynaud’s disease, peripheral artery disease, hypothyroidism (underactive thyroid), diabetes, and poor circulation.

Ways to Treat Cold Feet and Hands

If you always feel cold in your hands and feet, you can treat them by putting on thick clothes, hats, and socks to retain body heat, moving or stretching your feet, quitting smoking, limiting the amount of time you spend outside during cold weather, avoiding overstressing yourself, and supporting the health of your red blood cells by eating food that is rich in iron, folate, and vitamin B-12.

Treating Anemia

Your doctor will use a physical exam, medical history, and blood test results to diagnose anemia. Once your doctor confirms you have anemia, your treatment options will depend on the type and severity of the condition. Ways to treat anemia include taking iron supplements, eating iron-rich meals, and having a blood transfusion in severe cases.

Consult your doctor if you feel you are having signs of anemia. Ensure you don’t diagnose it yourself. Your doctor will set up a treatment plan that suits your healthcare needs.