What is normal iron level for women
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Normal Iron Levels for Women: An Overview
Recommended Daily Iron Intake for Women
Iron Intake Recommendations
The recommended daily allowance (RDA) for iron varies by country and physiological status. In the United Kingdom, the RDA for menstruating women is 14.8 mg, while for non-menstruating women, it is 8.7 mg. In the United States, the general recommendations are 18 mg for menstruating women and 8 mg for non-menstruating women2. These recommendations are designed to meet the iron needs of most women, considering factors such as menstrual blood loss and dietary iron absorption.
Dietary Iron Intake in Europe
A comprehensive review of dietary iron intake among women of reproductive age in Europe revealed significant variability across different countries. The median/mean iron intake ranged from 7.6-9.9 mg/day in countries like Belgium and Denmark to 15.9-19.0 mg/day in countries like Croatia and Portugal. Despite these variations, the majority of women in Europe have a dietary iron intake below 15 mg/day, contributing to low iron status in many women1.
Iron Requirements and Menstrual Blood Loss
Iron Requirements Based on Menstrual Blood Loss
Iron requirements for women are influenced by menstrual blood loss. For women aged 18-29 years, the median iron requirement is approximately 7.59 mg/day, while for women aged 30-49 years, it is around 8.13 mg/day. To cover the needs of women with higher menstrual blood loss, the usual iron intake should be around 11.27 mg/day for younger women and 11.95 mg/day for older women. To meet the needs of nearly all women (97.7%), the intake should be 13.93 mg/day for younger women and 14.71 mg/day for older women3.
Iron Loss During Menstruation
Healthy women with normal menstrual cycles lose about 1 mg of iron per cycle, whereas women with menorrhagia (excessive menstrual blood loss) can lose an average of 5.2 mg of iron per cycle. This significant difference highlights the need for higher iron intake in women with heavy menstrual bleeding to prevent iron deficiency8.
Iron Status Indicators
Serum Ferritin and Hemoglobin Levels
Serum ferritin and hemoglobin levels are critical indicators of iron status. In a study of 3005 women in Norway, 15.1% were found to be iron deficient, and 4.2% had iron-deficiency anemia. The World Health Organization (WHO) defines iron deficiency with a serum ferritin threshold of <15 µg/L, but recent studies suggest a higher threshold of <25 µg/L may be more appropriate for identifying iron deficiency in women4 7.
Serum Iron Levels
In a study of 275 healthy women, the mean serum iron level was found to be 116 ± 33 µg%, and the mean hemoglobin level was 13.2 ± 0.9 g%. These values indicate that while serum iron levels may decrease with age, hemoglobin levels remain relatively stable, underscoring the importance of monitoring both parameters to assess iron status accurately5.
Conclusion
Normal iron levels for women are influenced by various factors, including dietary intake, menstrual blood loss, and physiological status. The recommended daily iron intake varies by country but generally ranges from 14.8 mg to 18 mg for menstruating women. Most women in Europe have an iron intake below 15 mg/day, contributing to low iron status. Iron requirements are higher for women with heavy menstrual bleeding, and serum ferritin and hemoglobin levels are essential indicators of iron status. Ensuring adequate iron intake and monitoring iron status are crucial for preventing iron deficiency and maintaining overall health in women.
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Most relevant research papers on this topic
Dietary Iron Intake in Women of Reproductive Age in Europe: A Review of 49 Studies from 29 Countries in the Period 1993–2015
In Europe, 61-97% of women have a dietary iron intake below 15 mg/day, contributing to low iron status in many women.
Systematic Review
Very Rigorous JournalEstimation of iron requirements for women by numerical analysis of population-based data from the National Health and Nutrition Surveys of Japan 2003-2007.
Women aged 18-29 years need 7.59mg of iron per day, while those aged 30-49 need 8.13mg, 11.95mg, and 14.71mg per day.
Observational StudyIron status among 3005 women aged 20–55 years in Central Norway: The Nord‐Trøndelag Health Study (the HUNT Study)
Optimal hemoglobin values in iron-replete premenopausal women should be w125-130 g/L, as iron supplementation can improve endurance capacity, verbal learning, and memory in non-anemic women.
Serum Iron and Hemoglobin Values of 275 Healthy Women.∗
Serum iron levels decrease with age in healthy women, but this decrease is not accompanied by a decrease in hemoglobin values or a correlation with menopause status.
Observational StudyIron requirements in menstruating women.
New iron requirements for adult women and teen-agers have been increased to 2.84 mg/d and 3.21 mg/d, respectively, with optimal bioavailability in a Western-type diet at 15%.
Observational Study
Highly CitedPhysiologically based serum ferritin thresholds for iron deficiency in women of reproductive age who are blood donors
A higher ferritin threshold of 25 g/L is needed for iron deficiency in female blood donors aged 20 to 49 years, compared to the WHO guideline of 15 g/L for healthy women.
Observational StudyIron-dependent erythropoiesis in women with excessive menstrual blood losses and women with normal menses
Women with excessive menstrual blood losses (menorrhagia) lose five-to-six times more iron than healthy women with normal menses, potentially increasing their risk of developing iron-deficient anemia.
Observational Study
Rigorous JournalSerum Ferritin in the Evaluation of Iron Status in Young Healthy Women
Serum ferritin levels are highly correlated with bone marrow iron stores, with iron stores absent or scanty in about 70% of healthy young women.
Observational StudyIron Deficiency and Iron Deficiency Anemia: Implications and Impact in Pregnancy, Fetal Development, and Early Childhood Parameters
Iron deficiency in pregnancy can lead to adverse pregnancy outcomes and requires early detection and management.
Very Rigorous JournalHighly Cited