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International Women’s Day 2024: Prevalence and Impact of Iron Deficiency Anaemia in Women

Anaemia is a widespread health problem, particularly in pregnant women. Read on to know about its prevalence and impact in women.  
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International Women’s Day 2024: Prevalence and Impact of Iron Deficiency Anaemia in Women

Although “Iron deficiency anaemia” is one of the oldest and most common medical disorders, the condition has still not received adequate clinical attention and evaluation. “Iron deficiency anaemia” has a high prevalence in hospitalised patients and is associated with worse outcomes, extended hospital stay and overall poor quality of life. There is risk involved even for those who have received blood transfusions.

Anaemia is defined as ‘Haemoglobin below two Standard Deviations (SD) of the mean for the age and gender of the patient’. For female Normal range is 12 – 14 gm/dl. Iron deficiency is the most commonly found cause of anaemia which means approximately 50% of anaemic cases are due to Iron deficiency,” said Dr Gaurangi Shah, Consultant - General Medicine, P. D. Hinduja Hospital & MRC, Mahim.

Prevalence Of Anaemia In Women 

As per the World Health Organisation, approximately 29.9% women of reproductive age (15 – 49 years) and 36.5% pregnant women were suffering from Iron deficiency anaemia in 2019. The prevalence is higher in developing countries than in developed countries. In India, every 1 out of 2 women is suffering from iron deficiency anaemia, as per latest reports.

Also read: Anaemia Could Indicate Certain Cancers: Signs That Should Urge You To Get Tested

Causes of Iron deficiency anaemia

According to Dr Shah, following are the causes of iron deficiency anaemia. 

  • Nutritional deficiency
  • Impaired absorption from Gastrointestinal system
  • Blood loss (e.g. Menstruation, Piles etc.)
  • Increased demand in conditions such as pregnancy.
"Women are prone to iron deficiency because of menstrual periods, where women lose blood which in turn causes iron deficiency. Unfortunately, many women suffer from heavy periods but do not seek help or get the help they need and therefore lack iron," said  Dr Ishrat Ahmed, GP and Group Medical Director at THG (Myprotein). 
 
"Iron deficiency can present in several ways including tiredness, pale skin and eyes, shortness of breath, dizziness, cold hands/feet and palpitations," Dr Ahmed added. 

Symptoms

“In cases of ‘Mild’ anaemia, most patients remain asymptomatic except mild fatigue. But, when haemoglobin drops to 7 – 8 gm/dl, patients may experience easy fatigability, low energy levels, breathlessness on exertion, leg cramps, hair fall, brittle nails, pale skin etc,” said Dr  Shah, adding, in cases of ‘Severe’ Iron deficiency, patients may develop congestive heart failure which can be lethal if left untreated.

Impact of Iron Deficiency Anaemia on Women

The impact of IDA on women's health can be profound, affecting physical health, cognitive function, and quality of life:

  • Fatigue and Weakness: The most common symptoms of IDA, due to insufficient oxygen reaching body tissues.
  • Reduced Immunity: Iron is vital for immune function; deficiency can make women more susceptible to infections.
  • Impaired Cognitive Function: IDA in women has been linked to decreased cognitive performance, concentration, and productivity.
  • Complications During Pregnancy: For pregnant women, IDA increases the risk of preterm delivery, low birth weight, and infant mortality. It can also lead to postpartum depression and decreased physical and cognitive development in infants.
  • Impact on Heart Health: Iron deficiency forces the heart to work harder to transport oxygen, which can lead to increased heart rate and even heart failure in severe cases.

Chronic Iron deficiency leads to increased risk of infections, complications during/in pregnancy, depression etc. Populations at high-risk like women with heavy menstrual cycles, frequent blood donors, adolescent girls and people with poor dietary habits, should be given Iron therapy for prophylaxis. 

Also read: Aspirin May Increase Anaemia Risk, Know More

Empirical Iron supplements for everyone is not recommended as there is no evidence that this is beneficial, but may be harmful. Iron deficiency anaemia remains a significant public health challenge, especially among women of reproductive age. Its impact on health and well-being underscores the importance of preventive measures, timely diagnosis, and effective management. Through a combination of dietary strategies, supplementation, and healthcare interventions, it is possible to reduce the prevalence and impact of this condition.

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