Women's Health |
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Women Need Sufficient Iron To Maintain Mental SharpnessMemory, Attention, and Learning ImpactedFor women who are iron deficient or anemic, iron supplements may help improve mental sharpness, say researchers at the Experimental Biology 2004 meeting. The study shows that even modest levels of iron deficiency have a negative effect on memory, attention, and learning in young women and that taking iron supplements can reverse the impact. "These findings make the case for consuming a diet rich in iron, as well as the nutients that enhance iron absorption, vitamin C and protein," said Susan Del Gobbo, MPH, RD, outpatient manager with UVa nutrition services. "It also is important to consider the dietary source of iron; iron from animal foods such as chicken, lean beef and fish is far better absorbed than plant iron." The study is the first to systematically examine the impact of iron supplementation on the mental performance of women in their childbearing years, investigators say. More Than Fatigue, Iron Affects Mental SkillsIn the US, 11 percent of women in their childbearing years are deficient in iron, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). People need iron to make hemoglobin, the substance that helps red blood cells carry oxygen to the brain and throughout the body. When the blood lacks sufficient hemoglobin, anemia can occur, causing weakness, fatigue, and other symptoms. While there are many types of anemia, iron-deficiency anemia is the most common type. Women often become anemic because of blood loss from heavy menstrual periods or insufficient iron in the diet. Since iron deficiency and iron-deficiency anemia are relatively common in women of childbearing age, older infants, toddlers, and teenage girls, these individuals should be screened periodically to check their iron status, the National Institutes of Health (NIH) recommends. "These findings also show great promise for improving women's health and the well-being of their children. In no way do I recommend universal iron supplementation for women, however, women who test low for iron, but are not anemic, should complete a serum transferrin test." said Del Gobbo. The study involved 149 women who were either iron sufficient, iron deficient, or anemic. Each completed a series of eight different computerized tests to measure attention, memory, and learning. On baseline testing, the women who were iron deficient or anemic performed significantly worse than iron sufficient women of the same age. What is more, anemic women took longer to perform the tasks. Next, each woman was randomly given either a 60-milligram iron pill or a placebo. After four months, the 113 women remaining in the study repeated the cognitive tests. Those who took iron pills were later able to perform just as well as the iron-sufficient group. Differences in performance and speed were small but significant, researchers observed. Problem May Worsen Over TimeDr. Laura Murray-Kolb, a fellow at Pennsylvania State University's department of nutritional sciences, suggests that iron deficiency has a cumulative affect on women's ability to function. "A woman who eats few calories, yet loses iron monthly due to menstrual losses, might find it challenging to obtain the amount of iron she needs unless she selects high-iron foods from every group. I advise patients to consult a registered dietition or physician before taking iron supplements." Del Gobbo says. According to federal dietary guidelines, women of childbearing age need 18 milligrams of iron daily, the amount typically included in a woman's multivitamin. Pregnant women, who need 27 milligrams a day, may take an iron supplement or a prenatal vitamin with iron to meet their higher iron requirements. To prevent anemia, nutritionists recommend choosing iron-rich foods, like red meat, beans, peas, green leafy vegetables, dried fruits and nuts, whole grain breads, and fortified cereals. "To meet iron needs, it is best to rely on foods because the iron from supplements is much less well absorbed than that from food. The usual Western mixed diet provides only about 5 to 6 milligrams of iron in each 1,000 calories". Del Gobbo points out. The federal health officials also have targeted the problem as part of a national health prevention agenda. By 2010, the hope is to reduce the proportion of young children and women of childbearing age with iron deficiency and to lower the percentage of low-income women in their third trimester of pregnancy who are anemic. Del Gobbo is enthusiastic that "We have a wonderful opportunity to reach the 2010 federal public health goal of reducing the proportion of young children and women of childbearing age with iron deficiency by educating vulnerable individuals before a full blown deficiency occurs. Just imagine how differently a woman might approach each day if she was fully alert and energetic." Always consult your physician for more information. Online Resources(Our Organization is not responsible for the content of Internet sites.) Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) National Institutes of Health (NIH) National Women's Health Information Center |
June 2004Women Need Sufficient Iron To Maintain Mental Sharpness More Than Fatigue, Iron Affects Mental Skills What Is Iron-Deficiency Anemia? What Is Iron-Deficiency Anemia?The most common cause of anemia is iron deficiency. Iron is needed to form hemoglobin. Iron is mostly stored in the body in the hemoglobin. About 30 percent of iron is also stored as ferritin and hemosiderin in the bone marrow, spleen, and liver. Iron-deficiency anemia may be caused by the following:
The following are the most common symptoms of iron-deficiency anemia:
Iron-deficiency anemia may be suspected from general findings on a complete medical history and physical examination, such as complaints of tiring easily, abnormal paleness or lack of color of the skin, or a fast heartbeat (tachycardia). Iron-deficiency anemia is usually discovered during a medical examination through a blood test that measures the amount of hemoglobin (number of red blood cells) present, and the amount of iron in the blood. In addition to a complete medical history and physical examination, diagnostic procedures for iron-deficiency anemia may include the following:
The symptoms of iron-deficiency anemia may resemble other blood conditions or medical problems. Always consult your physician for a diagnosis.
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