Why Women are More Likely to Suffer from Anemia

Iron is a mineral that the body needs to function. It is part of hemoglobin, a protein that carries oxygen from the lungs throughout the body. It helps the organs and muscles store and use oxygen. The body needs the right amount of iron. If the body has too little iron, it may develop iron deficiency anemia.

Iron deficiency anemia means that the body does not have enough iron. Causes of low iron levels in the body include blood loss and poor diet/food intake low in iron or the inability to absorb enough iron from foods. Symptoms include weakness, fatigue, irritability, mood swings, headache, decreased appetite, pallor, and shortness of breath. Women are at higher risk of being iron deficient than men because they lose iron during menstrual periods which is more common during pregnancy and when breastfeeding hence, requiring a higher intake of iron or other iron supplements. Pregnant women with severe iron deficiency may be at higher risk of death and fewer cases may also cause low birth weight, early delivery, and poor brain development in babies.

The treatment for iron deficiency is simple since it is preventable and treatable, to give iron supplements and tablets, and eat a variety of iron-rich foods. Iron tablets are the first treatment to be prescribed to pregnant women and to women experiencing heavy blood loss due to heavy menstrual bleeding since iron tablets are readily available. Foods with high sources of iron can also be easily given to people experiencing iron deficiency anemia. These include meat such as lamb, pork, chicken, poultry, fish, beef, beans, dark green leafy vegetables, dried fruits, and iron-fortified cereals.

Women experiencing heavy blood loss during their menstrual period, pregnant women, and breastfeeding mothers should visit a physician and/or Nutritionist-Dietitian for proper medicine and/or diet prescription. Good and proper nutrition should also be followed to prevent iron deficiency anemia and to have a healthier body. (ND II Chutsvieka May Pacatang, RND)