Iron deficiency

Iron deficiency is the most common mineral deficiency worldwide according to the World Health Organisation with women and children being the most susceptible, but by far not the only ones affected.
Latest figures from the Department of Health show that as many as 91% of women aged 16 - 64 do not get the recommended daily amount of iron in their diets. One third of all women and two in five under the age of 34 have intakes so low that it affects their health.

An additional 6% of women have full blown clinical anaemia, which leaves them feeling chronically tired and unable to concentrate.¹

Initial iron deficiency symptoms include tiredness, fatigue, general lack of stamina and pale pallor. Later if unchecked other problems can develop for example: breathlessness, dizziness, headaches, dim vision, insomnia, loss of appetite, indigestion, restless legs and tingling in fingers and toes. Potentially, the condition worsens further over time resulting in a fast pulse rate, impaired immune system and possibly heart problems. All these conditions are associated with decreased oxygen supplies to tissues and organs.

If you experience any of the symptoms above please contact your doctor or health care advisor.

¹(The National Diet & Nutrition Survey: adults aged 19 to 64 years (2003). Carried out in Great Britain on behalf of the Food Standards Agency and the Departments of Health by the Social Survey Division)