23/09/2024
Iron Deficiency Anemia & Women: What You Need to Know
Iron deficiency anemia is a common condition that disproportionately affects women, particularly those of childbearing age. In the UK, it's estimated that up to 23% of women suffer from low iron levels at some point in their lives, with menstruation and pregnancy being key contributors.
Here’s how you can manage and prevent iron deficiency:
🚨 Symptoms:
Fatigue and weakness
Shortness of breath
Pale skin
Dizziness or headaches
Cold hands and feet
💊 Treatment & Dietary Advice:
The first line of defense is boosting your iron intake through diet. Some iron-rich foods include:
Red meat (beef, lamb and liver) - liver should be avoided in pregnant women due to the high vitamin A content.
Poultry and fish
Dark leafy greens like spinach and kale
Legumes (lentils, chickpeas)
Nuts and seeds
Fortified cereals
Heme iron, found in animal products, is more easily absorbed by the body, while non-heme iron, found in plant-based foods, is absorbed less efficiently.
Iron Absorption:
Not all iron is absorbed equally! Here's what you should know about enhancers and inhibitors:
Enhancers of Iron Absorption:
Vitamin C-rich foods like oranges, strawberries, and peppers.
Animal proteins from meat, which help absorb plant-based iron (non-heme iron).
Inhibitors of Iron Absorption:
Tea & coffee (contain tannins)
Dairy (calcium competes with iron)
Whole grains (phytates)
Spinach & Swiss chard (contain oxalates)
Try to pair iron-rich meals with Vitamin C sources and avoid consuming inhibitors around meal times to get the most out of your food!
If Diet Fails:
If diet alone isn’t enough, the NICE guidelines recommend oral iron supplements as the next step. This could be ferrous sulfate, ferrous fumarate, or ferrous gluconate. It's typically recommended to take these supplements for 3 months to restore iron levels.
In severe cases, if oral supplements are not well-tolerated or ineffective, intravenous iron therapy may be advised under the guidance of a healthcare professional.
👉 Always consult with your GP for blood tests if you suspect you have iron deficiency anemia, and before starting any supplements.
Let’s take care of our health! 💪