Woman iron levels
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Iron Levels in Women: A Comprehensive Overview
Dietary Iron Intake in European Women
A comprehensive review of dietary iron intake among women of reproductive age in Europe reveals significant variations across different countries. The median/mean iron intake ranges from 7.6 to 19.0 mg/day, with the majority of women consuming less than the recommended 15 mg/day. Countries like Belgium, Denmark, and Sweden report the lowest intakes (7.6-9.9 mg/day), while Croatia, Lithuania, and Portugal report higher intakes (15.9-19.0 mg/day). This widespread low intake contributes to a low iron status in many women across Europe.
Recommended Daily Iron Intake
The recommended daily allowance (RDA) for iron varies between countries. In the United Kingdom, the RDA for menstruating women is 14.8 mg, while in the United States, it is 18 mg. These recommendations highlight the need for adequate iron intake to prevent deficiencies, especially in menstruating women.
Iron Status and Deficiency in Women
General Population
Studies assessing iron status in women indicate a high prevalence of iron deficiency, particularly among menstruating women. In France, 22.7% of menstruating women have depleted iron stores, and 4.4% suffer from iron-deficiency anemia. Similarly, in Denmark, 17.2% of women aged 30-40 years have depleted iron stores, with a significant increase in iron levels observed in women aged 50-60 years.
Influence of Menstruation and Contraception
Menstruation significantly impacts iron levels, with women using intrauterine devices (IUDs) showing lower serum ferritin levels compared to those using oral contraceptives . The duration and intensity of menstrual bleeding are inversely correlated with serum ferritin levels, indicating that heavier and longer periods contribute to lower iron stores .
Iron Deficiency in Special Populations
Iron deficiency is also prevalent among women with unexplained infertility, with 33.3% having ferritin levels below 30 µg/L compared to 11.1% in healthy controls. Additionally, female marathon runners often exhibit poor iron status, with low serum ferritin levels observed during training and post-race.
Iron Supplementation and Dietary Considerations
Iron supplementation can significantly improve iron status, particularly in women with small iron stores. In Denmark, women using iron supplements had a lower prevalence of iron deficiency compared to non-users. The bioavailability of dietary iron also plays a crucial role, with Western diets showing an estimated bioavailability of around 15%.
Conclusion
Iron deficiency remains a significant concern for women, particularly those of reproductive age. Variations in dietary intake, the impact of menstruation, and the use of contraceptives all influence iron levels. Addressing these factors through dietary adjustments and supplementation can help improve iron status and prevent deficiencies. Further research and standardized dietary methods are needed to better understand and address iron deficiency in women globally.
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