Many women of childbearing age have low levels of iron, without necessarily being anemic. Women with heavy periods, early menarche, and those who are pregnant are at increased risk for anemia and low iron.
A recent study published in the March issue of the American Journal of Clinical Nutrition found that nearly 1/3 of women age 18-35 in the study had a moderate decrease in iron levels. Their iron levels were not severe enough to call anemia, but they were low enough to impact mental performance.
The study was conducted at Penn State University. A total of 113 women were enrolled and iron levels were assessed at baseline. Each woman was given series of tests which measured mental performance in the areas of learning, attention, and memory. Then women were randomized to receive daily iron supplements or placebo for 16 weeks. After the 4 month period each woman underwent the same battery of mental performance testing.
Women who were deficient in iron at the beginning of the study scored lower in all areas compared to women with normal iron levels.
After supplementation women whose iron levels increased also increased their performance scores on all the tests. Women who also saw an increase in iron stores, as measured by their ferritin level, improved their scores by 5-7 times that pre-supplementation.
The Recommended Daily Allowance for iron is 18 mg per day in non-pregnant women and men and 27 mg per day in pregnant women. Iron is found in vegetables and meat as well as enriched grain products.
Posted by Dr. Christina Gutierrez on March 23, 2007 05:47 PM
