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Indian women, also known as the backbone of indian households and the work economy, are now facing a new risk: Iron deficiency. This deficiency is a rising concern as women are prone to lower levels of iron in their blood due to regular menstrual cycle and active bleeding of 3-7 days each month.
According to a National Family Health Survey, 57% of Indian women, aged between 15-49, are anaemic, a condition known to be caused by iron deficiency. So, what is the solution to this growing problem? To know in detail how to identify and cure iron deficiency, Dr Asna Zehra Naqvi, Senior Consultant, Obstetrics & Gynaecology, Apollomedics Hospital, Lucknow, tells how iron deficiency can show up.
What are The Warning Signs of Iron Deficiency?
The first symptoms of iron deficiency are often ignored by women and are explained by stress, overworking, or age. However, these signs, when ignored, can slow down important diagnosis and care.
At the initial stage, most women refer these symptoms to overworking, stress or ageing, Dr Naqvi points out. "There are frequent headaches, dizziness, irritability, difficulties in concentrating, constant tiredness, and weakness as some primary initial manifestations," she added.
Telltale Signs of Iron Deficiency
- Brittle nails
- Hair Loss
- Discolouration of the skin.
- Rare cravings, such as chewing ice or eating chalk (pica).
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Effect of Iron Deficiency on Reproductive Health
Iron not only matters about how much energy you have daily, but it also matters in reproductive health. A persistent lack may impair fertility and menstrual periods.
According to Dr Naqvi, iron is significant in guaranteeing hormonal balancing and normal ovulation. "Chronic inadequacy may cause the periods to become irregular, may cause heavier menstrual bleeding and even stop periods (amenorrhea) in severe cases."
"There are also effects on pregnancy. Low iron levels increase the risk of complications the pregnancy and delivery in terms of preterm delivery, low birth weight and postnatal complications to the mother and the baby," said Dr Naqvi.
Long-term Health Risk of Iron Deficiency
When ignored, the iron deficiency may advance into full-blown anaemia, which has the potential to disrupt all body systems.
"Untreated iron deficiency carries the risk of anaemia that lowers the ability of the blood to carry oxygen", according to Dr Naqvi. Long-term iron deficiency has the effect of slowing down the activity of the heart, weakening the immune system and causing chronic fatigue that will make activities of the day impossible.
"Even mental health is not an exception. A low iron status has been associated with mood disorders, trouble in concentration and even depression. Iron deficiency may affect the growth of young girls and lead to negative maternal outcomes in pregnant women," added Dr Naqvi.
What Indian Women Can Do to Increase Their Iron?
The great news? Iron deficiency is avoidable, as well as curable through care, a thoughtful lifestyle and diet.
Things to Do
Add Iron Rich Foods: Like green leafy vegetables (palak, methi), legumes, jaggery (gur), dried fruits (raisins, dates), eggs, meat, and fish in case of non-vegetarians, suggests Dr. Naqvi.
Add Vitamin C to Your Diet: To assist your body in taking in iron, combine iron-rich foods with vitamin C, in the form of amla, lemon or oranges.
Avoid Caffeine: Avoid having tea or coffee right before or after meals.
Opt for Regular Check-ups: Regular health check-ups and iron supplements (where prescribed by the doctor), especially during pregnancy or after delivery, are also important measures.
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Final Thoughts
The tendency towards iron deficiency is unfortunately sometimes referred to as the silent epidemic among Indian women with good reason because it gently sneaks into life and makes a significant impression on all the phases, including the time of adolescence and motherhood.
As Dr Naqvi says, the idea should not be only the treatment but awareness, recognition of the signs as soon as possible, regulation of food habits, and consulting treatment before deficiency becomes dominant.
Iron might be a micronutrient, but it plays a powerful role on the body of a woman. Indian women need to stop ignoring the fatigue and start with iron they should take their health in their own hands.