Iron Deficiency: Affecting 15% of Young Australian Women

Insufficient iron can lead to anaemia and common symptoms to look out for include fatigue, tiredness and breathlessness.

If ignored, iron deficiency can lead to a weakened immune function and poor health.

Ravinder Lilly, Nutritionist at USANA Health Sciences says, “The recommended daily intake of iron for women aged 19-50 is 18mg with an additional 9mg required during pregnancy. Yet iron supplements are not always the best solution for everyone.”

It is important to remember that an iron overload can cause toxicity and organ damage.

“Women should be aware that taking iron supplements without having been recommended to do so by a health professional can result in excessive levels being present in the body that can harm the immune system,” Ravinder says.

“Take the healthy approach and promote natural iron absorption.”

Nutritionist Ravinder Lilly has the following tips for women looking to boost their iron intake and fight off deficiency:

1. Eat a variety of iron rich foods such as lean meats, wholegrain cereals, beans and lentils.

2. Eat foods with a high content of vitamin C as this helps the body to absorb iron. Fruits and vegetables contain vitamin C but citrus fruits, berries, kiwi, tomatoes and capsicum are especially rich choices.

3. Take a good daily multivitamin that will further assist in the absorption of iron from foods.

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