By Sammie Jones
Women are suffering from by iron deficiency anaemia more than men because they lose iron during their periods and need more when pregnant or breastfeeding. In the UK, one in four women become anaemic in pregnancy. Anaemia develops when the blood lacks enough healthy red blood cells or hemoglobin. Hemoglobin is a main part of red blood cells which binds oxygen. Abnormal red blood cells prevents the cells in one’s body from get enough oxygen.
Fatigue is one of the most serious forms of blood cells caused by lack of sufficient iron. Iron tablets are a recommended treatment for anaemia, especially because of their low cost and ready availability. Researchers from the Australian based Conversation publication discovered that anaemia can double the likelihood of death for a mother. Working in conjunction with Queen Mary University, a top UK University, who have been expanding their research on the topic alongside publications in the Lancet Global health
Researchers at The Conversation want women to pay conscious attention to their Iron levels. Iron tablets are particularly important for anaemic women, especially those who are pregnant.
Pregnant women and menstruating women are biologically different and need to pay particular attention to their treatment of iron. In particular the researchers found that side effects and tolerance to treatments can vary widely. One of the main problems cited is that many women with heavy periods endure the effects of anaemia for years before they seek treatment. They are already deficient in iron when their pregnancy commences, and this gets worse as their pregnancy progresses, putting themselves and their babies under unnecessary risk.
There is currently no agreed recommendation for the best treatment that works for all women, which is why the issue needs closer and periodic study. There is insufficient knowledge about anaemia, its effects, and the best treatment for it. However, awareness is the first step for women in addressing this global problem.