Iron Deficiency in Women: An Overlooked Concern and Recommended Supplements

Did you know that roughly 35% of younger women in the U.S. don’t have sufficient iron in their bodies? This shocking statistic from Dr. Malcolm Munro, a professor at the University of California, Los Angeles, reveals a significant gap in women’s health. Iron is vital for several body functions, from aiding immunity to supporting cognition. Yet, this nutritional deficiency often slips under the radar.

Source: AskAwayHealth With Dr Sylvia/YouTube

One of the main reasons for this oversight is that the symptoms of iron deficiency can be subtle and sometimes confused with everyday fatigue. Imagine feeling constantly tired, a bit lightheaded, or unusually cold, and attributing it simply to the stresses of daily life. Dr. Munro suggests that this could be due to the normalization of women’s disorders.

So, what does iron do? It’s crucial for producing hemoglobin, a protein that carries oxygen in our red blood cells. Without enough iron, there can be a decline in the number of healthy red blood cells leading to anemia. It’s important to understand that someone might have a standard hemoglobin level yet still suffer from low iron levels. Iron deficiency anemia is, in fact, the most common type of anemia in the U.S.

But what causes this deficiency? The primary culprit among adult nonpregnant women is heavy menstrual bleeding. Additionally, factors like a vegetarian diet, cancer, and pregnancy can also reduce iron levels. With each trimester, the iron level in a pregnant woman’s blood decreases.

Despite the widespread nature of this condition, regular screening for iron deficiency isn’t common practice in the U.S. This year marked a turning point when the International Federation of Gynecology and Obstetrics recommended that all menstruating women and girls get screened for iron deficiency, not just anemia.

To wrap up, if you’re a woman, especially one following a vegetarian or vegan diet, consider getting your iron levels checked. This small step can go a long way in ensuring that you stay energetic, healthy, and active!

We recommend:

1. New Chapter Iron Supplement, Whole-Food Fermented Iron Complex Made with Organic Vegetables & Herbs
2. Carbonyl Iron – 90 Vegan Caps by Pure Lab Vitamins
3. Globulo Rojo Iron Supplement – Liquid Dietary Supplement with High Potency Iron & B Vitamins

Related Content:

• Vitamin C-Rich Foods You Should Pair With Iron for Ultimate Absorption
• 10 Iron-Rich Plant-Based Foods For More Energy and Stamina
• 10 Plant-based Foods Packed with Iron
• Best Plant-Based Foods to Help You Retain Iron
• Fighting Anemia With Plant-Based Foods

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