Does low iron cause dark circles?

Author: Rosina Mante  |  Last update: Thursday, July 24, 2025

The following symptoms of iron deficiency in the eyes may occur: Dark circles under the eyes. Burning or painful eyes. Blurred vision.

What deficiency causes dark circles?

What Deficiency Causes Dark Eye Circles on Skin? Vitamin deficiencies that are associated with dark circles include vitamins E, D, K vitamin, A, and B12. In addition to that, iron deficiency is also a root cause of dark circles.

Can low iron affect your eyes?

Low iron levels can lead to problems throughout the body, including your eyes. The retina is the most vulnerable part of the eye and is susceptible to damage from iron deficiency anemia. The retina is the inside portion of the eye responsible for capturing images and sending the information to the brain.

Which vitamin is best for dark circles?

Vitamin K, vitamin C, iron, and omega-3 fatty acids can help reduce the appearance of dark circles under the eyes. You can get these nutrients from a healthy diet or by taking a supplement.

Why do I suddenly have dark circles?

This can include asthma, allergies, poor circulation, hormonal shifts, malnutrition, anemia and diseases that affect the liver or kidneys. Certain medications can also contribute to the appearance of darker skin beneath the eyes. When dark circles don't arise from health issues, other factors may be at play.

Dark circles are caused by genetics, an iron deficiency, lack of sleep, or stress

Does anything really help dark circles?

Using products made to treat dark circles.

Many eye products are available to buy without a prescription. While none are regulated by the FDA, they do use ingredients that have been shown in studies to reduce the appearance of dark circles to some degree. Look for the ingredients kojic acid, caffeine and vitamin K.

What are the worst symptoms of low iron?

Symptoms
  • Extreme fatigue.
  • Weakness.
  • Pale skin.
  • Chest pain, fast heartbeat or shortness of breath.
  • Headache, dizziness or lightheadedness.
  • Cold hands and feet.
  • Inflammation or soreness of your tongue.
  • Brittle nails.

What do anemic eyes look like?

Yellowish sclera – In other types of anemia, such as hemolytic or sickle cell anemia, the whites of the eyes can develop a yellowish color. Pale inner lower eyelid – Iron deficiency anemia can cause the inside of the lower eyelids to become yellowish or pale instead of a healthy red.

How to know if iron pills are working?

The top signs that your iron pills are working are improvements in your symptoms and normalizing hemoglobin levels. Like all medications, iron supplements also have some side effects and interactions to be aware of.

Are dark circles related to anemia?

Anemia is a condition characterized by a lack of healthy blood cells. It is usually associated with low iron levels and can result in an inadequate supply of oxygen to your body. The appearance of dark circles under the eyes is one symptom that may indicate anemia thanks to the lack of properly oxygenated blood.

What are dark circles under eyes a symptom of?

Some of the most common causes of dark circles under the eyes are:
  • Atopic dermatitis (eczema)
  • Contact dermatitis.
  • Fatigue.
  • Genetics.
  • Rubbing or scratching your eyes.
  • Skin changes that happen with aging.
  • Changes in skin color. ...
  • Sun exposure.

Which deficiency causes dark circles?

Some of the primary causes are: Iron deficiency: One of the common reasons for dark circles is low levels of iron in the diet. It can cause the veins in the skin to become more prominent. As per a study, anaemia, dark circles vitamin deficiency are the reasons behind 50% of dark circles issues.

Can low iron cause weight gain?

Low iron levels can contribute to weight changes by affecting your energy levels, hormones, and metabolism. But higher weight can also cause low iron levels because of increased inflammation in the body.

How to quickly raise iron levels?

To boost iron absorption:
  1. Consume vitamin C (found in fruits and vegetables).
  2. Include animal protein (haem) with plant (non-haem) sources of iron, such as meat with beans. For example, beef and kidney beans in a chilli con carne.
  3. Cook plant sources of iron (such as vegetables).

Do iron pills help dark circles under eyes?

Not only will it help you heal your skin but also help in reducing the appearance of dark circles. Iron deficiency is the leading cause of dark circles and while it requires you to work on your nutrition and lifestyle, once your dark circles appear, it's not possible to get rid of them just through these changes.

What food is highest in iron?

The best sources of iron include:
  • Iron-fortified cereals.
  • Liver.
  • Lean red meat (especially beef)
  • Oysters.
  • Poultry, dark red meat.
  • Salmon.
  • Tuna.
  • Whole grains.

What do you crave when your iron is low?

The term "pica" describes craving and chewing substances that have no nutritional value — such as ice, clay, soil or paper. Craving and chewing ice, known as pagophagia, is often associated with iron deficiency, with or without anemia, although the reason is unclear.

What drink has the most iron?

The following drinks high in iron for anemia can supplement your diet:
  • Prune juice. Prune juice is high in iron and is an excellent supplement to heme (animal-based) iron. ...
  • Beetroot juice. ...
  • Spinach, cashew, and raspberry smoothie. ...
  • Cocoa and beef liver smoothie. ...
  • Pea protein shakes. ...
  • Pumpkin juice.

What hurts when your iron is low?

Some people suffering from iron deficiency experience restless legs syndrome, a neurological disorder that causes an irresistible urge to move their legs. It can also cause sharp pain, numbness and tingling in the legs.

What worsens dark circles?

Dark circles under the eyes are usually more noticeable when you're tired. Other lifestyle factors that may contribute to dark circles under the eyes are smoking, drinking too much alcohol and stress.

What cancels out dark circles?

Here's a quick cheat sheet on which color-corrector shade to use: For redness: Neutralize red and pink tones with a green color corrector. For dark circles and dark spots: Use a peach color corrector if you have fair skin, or a deeper orange shade if you have medium to dark skin.

What is the new treatment for dark circles?

Dermal Fillers: Quick and Effective Volume Restoration

Dark circles often result from volume loss under the eyes, creating hollows and shadows. Dermal fillers like JUVÉDERM®, Restylane®, and Perlane® use hyaluronic acid to restore hydration and volume.

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