Iron deficiency anemia: The hidden barrier to women’s full potential

In an ideal world, women do not have to deal with hurdles that can negatively impact routines and prevent them from reaching their full potential. Unfortunately, that is not the case, as many women suffer from health issues that cause intense discomfort and affect their quality of life. 

One example is iron deficiency anemia (IDA), or less-than-normal amounts of red blood cells and/or hemoglobin in the body linked to a lack of iron. According to the World Health Organization (WHO), someone with IDA has hemoglobin levels below 130 g/L (men) or 120 g/L in (women). Unfortunately, IDA is one of the most prevalent micronutrient deficiencies in the Philippines. 

From this year’s Iron Deficiency Anemia Awareness Day (November 26), uncover key facts and learn how to knock down hidden barriers in the form of low iron levels that can hinder your full potential. 

What are the warning signs of iron deficiency anemia?

Iron deficiency anemia manifests as multiple symptoms, including fatigue, palpitations, shortness of breath, tachycardia (heart rate of over 100 beats per minute), angina (chest pain), headaches, vertigo, and lethargy, caused by decreased blood oxygen. 

As its name suggests, iron deficiency anemia is caused by reduced levels of this important mineral. Groups who are at most risk for this health issue include women in their reproductive age (especially those who are pregnant), senior citizens, people with iron- or vitamin C-poor diets, people from low-income neighborhoods, underweight people, and people who do not take iron supplements.

Why it’s important to address IDA ASAP

If left unaddressed, IDA can negatively affect quality of life, significantly lessen intestinal blood flow, and trigger issues like nausea, weight loss, abdominal pain, malabsorption, and motility disorders.

Meanwhile, pregnant women with IDA may have a higher risk of preterm labor, delivering a baby with low birth weight, maternal blood transfusion, and preterm death.

However, IDA doesn’t just cause negative impacts on physical health, but on brain function and mental health too. A 2024 study highlighted that women who aren’t pregnant but have IDA deal with reduced exercise tolerance and physical and cognitive performance. Research from 2020 also noted that people with IDA may have a higher risk of sleep disorders, anxiety disorders, depression, and psychotic disorders.

Why is iron important?

Iron plays major roles in functions like DNA synthesis, energy metabolism, cell signaling, gene expression, and cell growth and regulation. More importantly, iron is absorbed by the cells and transported to the mitochondria to help produce heme iron for hemoglobin. This is a protein component found in red blood cells that is mainly responsible for delivering oxygen throughout the body.

When one lacks iron, the body tries to use its current supply to meet daily requirements. Unfortunately, these iron stores can quickly be consumed and depleted. This can reduce instances of hemoglobin synthesis, lower hemoglobin levels, and trigger initial IDA symptoms.

What can you do to prevent IDA?

Health experts recommend that women undergo preventive iron supplementation, especially women who may not have access to IDA screening.

With this in mind, don’t let the symptoms of IDA stop you from achieving your goals and unleashing your full potential! Ask your doctor today about Iron + Pyridoxine (Vitamin B6) + Cyanocobalamin (Vitamin B12) + Folic Acid (Hemarate® FA).

This is a doctor-prescribed iron supplement that contains 60 mg of iron, the recommended dose for Filipinos to prevent iron deficiency and other types of anemia, as highlighted by the Department of Health (DOH) AO #2010-0010.

Together with proper diet and exercise, this supplement helps deliver a daily dose of iron, vitamins B6 and B12, and folic acid. These key vitamins and minerals may help boost blood health, prevent and address iron deficiency anemia, alleviate a folate deficiency, and reduce plasma homocysteine levels. 

Iron + Pyridoxine (Vitamin B6) + Cyanocobalamin (Vitamin B12) + Folic Acid (Hemarate® FA) is available in leading drugstores  and supermarket pharmacies nationwide. – Rappler.com

If symptoms persist, consult your doctor. 

ASC Reference Code: U0199P121824H

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