One of the most prevalent nutritional deficiencies in women of the world is iron deficiency. Low iron levels may affect daily life and health both because of fatigue and brittle nails, as well as low concentration and impaired immunity. Learning how to diagnose, screen, and manage iron deficiency is the most crucial to being energy-saving, focused, and healthy.

Why Women Are More Prone to Iron Deficiency

There are many factors that predispose women to iron deficiency, firstly, menstrual iron loss, pregnancy, and high iron requirements during the reproductive years, among others. Although the diet is balanced, the amount of iron may not be sufficient to cover such losses, in particular, women on a vegetarian or vegan diet, or with heavy periods.

Typical Symptoms Of Iron Deficiency In Women

Iron is crucial in the production of hemoglobin a protein in red blood cells that carry oxygen. At low iron levels, oxygen supply to tissues is decreased and the symptoms include:

• Constant exhaustion or lack of energy.
• Pale or yellowish skin
• Lightheadedness or dizziness.
• Shortness of breath
• Cold hands and feet
• Brittle nails or hair loss
• Headache, lack of concentration.

When you have multiple of these symptoms, you should seek the services of a medical practitioner to be tested.

Tests for Iron Deficiency

A simple blood test will help to prove whether you lack iron. Key tests include:

Hb (hemoglobin): Determines the oxygen capacity of the blood.

• Serum Ferritin: Refers to the level of stored iron; a low level of ferritin implies exhausted iron stores.
• Serum Iron & Total Iron-binding Capacity (TIBC): Assists to evaluate the degree of transport and utilization of iron.
• In women, a ferritin level of less than 30 ng/mL is usually an indicator of early onset of iron deficiency even before anemia sets in.

Choosing the Best Iron Supplement: Ferrous vs Ferric Salts

In the case of supplementation, iron supplements are available in varying forms of chemicals- mainly ferrous salts and ferric salts. Knowledge of the distinction can be a huge factor on assimilation and efficacy. Unfortunately, the majority of ferrous salts contain sulfuric acid, while a few, like Ferrous Sulfate, also include nitric acid. Unluckily, most of the ferrous salts include sulfuric acid, with some salts, such as Ferrous Sulfate, also having nitric acid.

Such are the most available forms in the sense that they are absorbed better by the body. In the case of iron deficiency, ferrous salts are usually the most preferable to be used to correct the deficiency in a short period of time. In order to comprehend the functioning of ferric oxide, it is important to examine the chemical properties of the compound present in the mixture: Ferric Salts (e.g., Ferric Citrate, Ferric Hydroxide):

The solubility of ferric iron is lower and hence the absorption is lower. Nevertheless, iron supplements made of ferric could be less irritating to the stomach in people who have gastrointestinal intolerance to ferrous salts.

In short: Ferrous vs Ferric salts—ferrous forms are generally better absorbed, while ferric forms may be an option for sensitive stomachs.

Increasing the Iron Uptake through Vitamin C

It is not only the type of iron you absorb that counts but also with what you absorb it with. Vitamin C promotes the absorption of non-heme iron (that found in plant-based foods and the larger proportion of the usual supplements) dramatically.

The absorption can be improved by taking your iron supplement with a glass of orange juice, or the food containing vitamin C such as citrus fruits, bell peppers, or strawberries.

Avoid taking iron with:

Coffee or tea (have tannins, which prevent absorption)

• Dairy or calcium supplements (calcium interferes with the absorption of iron)
• Pre-supplementation high-fiber foods.

Iron Supplements + Multivitamins: A Smart Combination

Iron Supplements + Multivitamins would also provide a convenient method of supplementing overall nutrition to many women particularly those who have hectic schedules or a restricted diet. Ferrous iron supplement, vitamin c, B vitamins, and folate are commonly used as supplements in quality multivitamins, and they have a synergistic effect of enhancing red blood cell formation and metabolism of energy.

In case you are already taking a multivitamin, make sure that it has iron in it. Not every multivitamin contains iron because overdose may lead to constipation and stomach pain.

Recommended Dosage For Women

Dose varies according to severity of deficiency:

• In case of general prevention: 18 mg of elemental iron a day (common in multivitamins of women)
• In case of mild deficiency: 30-60 mg of the elemental iron per day.
• In the case of diagnosed iron deficiency anemia: 60-120 mg of elemental iron, once a day, and under the supervision of the doctor.

This is due to the fact that excessive amount of iron can also be detrimental; so never self-dose, and always takes your doctors recommendation.

When to See a Doctor

Do not discontinue supplementation without consulting your health care provider especially after a few weeks of use or when you develop any side effects of the supplement on your digestive system (constipation, nausea, or abdominal pains). They can modify your dosage or convert you to the other type of iron like slow release capsule or a fluid preparation.

The Bottom Line

Iron deficiency in women is common but easily treatable with the right approach. Recognize the symptoms early, confirm with blood tests, and choose the most effective form of iron — ideally ferrous salts combined with vitamin C for optimal absorption.

Adding Iron Supplements + Multivitamins can help you restore balance, energy, and vitality — one essential nutrient at a time.

If you’re considering Iron Deficiency in Women, it’s essential to seek professional medical advice to confirm your iron levels and choose the most suitable treatment. For expert in-clinic consultations, visit Nexus Clinic, Alternatively you can access licensed online medical advice and conveniently purchase prescribed iron supplements or multivitamins—including formulations with ferrous salts and vitamin C – through DoctorOnCall.