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Are You Running Out of Steam?

What Every Woman Should Know About Iron Deficiency

"Since most pregnancies are unplanned, women in relationships should ensure they maintain proper iron levels to help guarantee a healthy placenta, delivery at full term and a healthy baby," she says. "During and immediately after pregnancy, women need to double the amount of iron."

Dr. Carlson-Rink says women aren't the only ones affected by iron deficiency. Recent studies show that iron deficiency poorly affects the intelligence of teenage girls.

Dr. Carlson-Rink says the best way to correct iron deficiency is with dietary change and iron supplements. She says plant-derived iron is preferable over iron from animal sources, as plant-derived iron doesn't create "iron overload" – an over-saturation of iron in the cells that may lead to other health problems. In fact, studies show 20 mg a day of iron can correct iron deficiency in four out of five women suffering from iron deficiency without anemia.

"Women with low iron levels don't have to feel like they're losing their minds," Dr. Carlson-Rink says. "With proper iron supplementation, they should experience an improvement in general well-being and improvement of symptoms within four to eight weeks. Treated in this way, iron deficiency can be completely resolved in three to 12 months."

Want to see more?

• Supplements During Pregnancy: Are They Really Needed?
• Are You Iron Deficient? A Simple Quiz Can Put You on the Road to Recovery
• Pumping Iron: Reduce Your Risk of Iron Deficiency Anemia
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