Final answer:
Women of childbearing age, especially during pregnancy, typically do not meet iron requirements. This can lead to iron deficiency anemia, which can be prevented by consuming the recommended dietary iron intake, particularly important for pregnant women who need 27 mg daily.
Step-by-step explanation:
Women of childbearing age, especially during pregnancy, on average do not meet iron needs. In the United States, 20% of all women of childbearing age have iron-deficiency anemia, as compared to 2% of adult men. Iron deficiency anemia can be prevented by ensuring the recommended amount of iron is included in one's diet, with pregnant women needing the most at 27 mg daily. Good sources of iron include clams, oysters, beef, seeds, nuts, legumes, and fortified cereals. The ingestion and absorption of iron can be improved when iron-rich foods are consumed with vitamin C.
Iron deficiency is the most common micronutrient deficiency worldwide and can lead to significant health concerns. For vegetarians, higher daily intake of iron is recommended due to the non-absorbability of iron caused by phytates in cereals. Iron deficiency affects not only women of childbearing age but is also prevalent among children, adolescent girls, nursing mothers, and individuals with dietary deficiencies or malabsorption syndromes.
Anemia caused by iron deficiency is prevalent among women and children, with 20% of women of childbearing age in the United States having iron-deficiency anemia.
Iron deficiency anemia can be avoided by getting the recommended amount of iron in one's diet. Good sources of iron include shellfish, red meats, seeds, nuts, legumes, and fortified breakfast cereals. Taking iron supplements may also help treat or prevent anemia.