Women experience iron loss through menstruation, especially those with heavy or prolonged periods.
Pregnancy and childbirth increase iron demands, as iron is essential for fetal development and blood production.
Women naturally have lower iron stores than men due to differences in muscle mass and blood volume.
Dietary habits, such as vegetarian or vegan diets, can lead to lower iron intake if not properly managed.
Frequent dieting and restrictive eating can limit iron-rich foods, increasing the risk of deficiency.
Women require more daily iron (18 mg) compared to men (8 mg) but often do not meet this need.
Iron absorption inhibitors like tea, coffee, and calcium-rich foods can hinder iron uptake if consumed with meals.
Postpartum recovery involves iron loss from childbirth, making new mothers more vulnerable to deficiency.