Women's iron levels
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Women's Iron Levels: An Overview
Iron Status in Women: Serum Ferritin and Hemoglobin Levels
Iron status in women is commonly assessed using serum ferritin (S-ferritin) and hemoglobin (Hb) levels. A study of 1359 Danish women aged 30 to 60 years revealed that S-ferritin levels increase with age. Women in their 30s and 40s had a median S-ferritin of 38 µg/L, while those in their 50s and 60s had median levels of 54 µg/L and 84 µg/L, respectively. Hemoglobin levels also showed a slight increase with age, with median values of 137 g/L in younger women and 140 g/L in older women.
Dietary Iron Intake in European Women
A review of 49 studies from 29 European countries found that the majority of women of reproductive age have dietary iron intakes below the recommended levels. In countries like Belgium, Denmark, and Sweden, 91-95% of women had an intake below 15 mg/day. Even in countries with higher intakes, such as Germany and Ireland, 61-78% of women did not meet the recommended intake. This widespread low intake contributes significantly to low iron status among European women.
Iron Deficiency and Anemia in Women
Iron deficiency and iron deficiency anemia are prevalent among women, particularly those of reproductive age. In a French cohort study, 22.7% of menstruating women had depleted iron stores (S-ferritin <15 µg/L), and 4.4% had iron-deficient anemia. Post-menopausal women had higher ferritin levels and lower rates of iron deficiency. Similarly, a study of young Danish women found that 9.7% had iron deficiency, and 2.2% had iron deficiency anemia.
Influence of Menstruation and Contraceptive Methods
Menstruation significantly impacts iron levels. Women with longer or heavier menstrual bleeding tend to have lower S-ferritin levels. The use of intrauterine devices (IUDs) is associated with lower ferritin levels compared to hormonal contraceptives, which are linked to shorter menstrual bleeding and higher ferritin levels .
Iron Supplementation and Its Effects
Iron supplementation can positively influence iron status. In a study of young Danish women, those who took iron supplements had lower rates of iron deficiency and iron deficiency anemia compared to non-users. Even moderate doses of ferrous iron (14-20 mg/day) were effective in improving iron status.
Iron Levels and Infertility
Iron deficiency may also be linked to infertility. A case-control study found that women with unexplained infertility had lower transferrin saturation and mean corpuscular hemoglobin concentration compared to healthy controls. Additionally, a higher percentage of infertile women had ferritin levels below 30 µg/L.
Conclusion
Iron levels in women are influenced by various factors, including age, dietary intake, menstruation, contraceptive methods, and supplementation. Despite the variations, a significant number of women, especially those of reproductive age, have iron intakes below recommended levels, leading to widespread iron deficiency and anemia. Addressing these issues through dietary improvements and appropriate supplementation is crucial for improving women's health.
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