(TheRedWire.com) – A recent study published in the American Journal of Medical Science reveals that over one-third of U.S. females between 12 and 21 years old have an iron deficiency. The research indicates that 39 percent of this demographic suffers from low iron levels, with an additional 6 percent diagnosed with iron-deficiency anemia.
Iron is a critical mineral as it contributes to the production of vital proteins, hemoglobin, and myoglobin, responsible for oxygen intake in the body. The required iron levels depend on various factors such as age, gender, and dietary habits.
The National Health Institutes have pointed out that adolescent girls and women experiencing heavy menstruation or pregnancy have a higher risk of developing iron deficiency. Often, iron deficiency may not manifest any apparent symptoms. However, the more severe the drought, the more likely it will have noticeable impacts. Iron-deficiency anemia, in particular, impacts red blood cells and hemoglobin levels, leading to symptoms like fatigue, breathlessness, and heart palpitations. If left untreated during pregnancy, it could result in complications.
Interestingly, the study found that over a quarter of pre-menstrual girls were also iron-deficient. This finding underscores the need for a clearer understanding of the risk factors associated with iron deficiency to ensure that individuals do not overlook their condition.
The researchers analyzed data from 2003-2010 and 2015-March 2020 collected from multiple sources, including the University of Michigan Medical School and Brigham and Women’s Hospital, focusing mainly on ferritin. This blood protein binds with iron.
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