Which of the following are symptoms of iron deficiency anemia?

Iron deficiency anemia is a condition characterized by a lack of adequate iron in the body, which leads to a decrease in the production of hemoglobin and red blood cells. Each of the symptoms listed – inflammation of the tongue, lips, or mucous membranes of the mouth (known as angular cheilitis), spooned nails (koilonychia), and pica – are indeed associated with iron deficiency.

Inflammation of the tongue and surrounding tissues can occur due to an insufficient supply of iron that affects the health and function of mucosal tissues. This inflammation can result in symptoms such as soreness, swelling, and changes in the surface texture of the tongue.

Spooned nails are a classic manifestation of iron deficiency anemia, where nails take on a concave shape instead of the usual convex shape. This change can lead to nails that are brittle and more prone to breaking.

Pica, the craving and ingestion of non-food substances such as dirt, clay, or chalk, has been often reported in individuals with iron deficiency. The exact mechanisms behind pica are not fully understood, but it is thought to be linked to physiological responses to deficiency states.

Thus, all these symptoms collectively indicate the body's response to inadequate iron levels, validating that the correct answer encompasses