Final answer:
Menstruating females require more iron due to blood loss during menstruation, which can lead to iron-deficiency anemia if the iron is not replenished through diet or supplements. It's important for women of childbearing age to monitor and maintain sufficient iron levels to prevent health complications.
Step-by-step explanation:
Micronutrient Needs in Menstruating Females
Micronutrient needs in adults vary based on gender and certain physiological conditions. One specific micronutrient that menstruating females require more of is iron. This is due to the loss of blood during menstruation, which can lead to iron-deficiency anemia if not compensated through diet or supplements. In the United States, there is a significant percentage of women of childbearing age who have iron-deficiency anemia. Adequate iron intake is crucial for this group to avoid the consequences of anemia.
It's not just iron that is important; other nutrients like calcium also play a significant role in women's health, especially during adolescence and early adulthood for bone density. However, for menstruating females, iron is considerably more important due to the blood loss experienced during menstrual cycles. While males may need higher amounts of other micronutrients like vitamins C and K, thiamine, riboflavin, and niacin, females need to ensure they have enough iron to prevent anemia and maintain healthy red blood cells.