13 Common Symptoms and Signs of Iron Deficiency

6. Soreness and Swelling of the Tongue and Mouth

Strange as it sounds, one very common sign of iron deficiency is a swollen, pale, inflamed, or strangely smooth tongue. While a lack of hemoglobin can make the tongue pale, low myoglobin is what makes it smooth, sore and swollen. Myoglobin is the protein in red blood cells that sustains the muscles, such as the tongue. So when a person notices dry mouth, red cracks that are sore, mouth ulcers, or smoothness and paleness of the tongue, there’s a high chance that it could be due to an iron deficiency.