Women are more likely than men to experience nutritional deficiencies due to the physiological changes that occur with the different stages they go through throughout life. For example, menstruation can cause iron loss, pregnancy and breastfeeding require additional nutrient intake, and menopause can influence nutritional needs.
Vitamin B12 deficiency is increasingly common Photo: © Andrey Popov | Dreamstime.com
Here are the most common nutritional deficiencies among women, how they can be detected and what consequences they can have.
1. Iron deficiency with or without anemia
It is the most common nutritional deficiency, especially affecting women of childbearing age. Anemia, a consequence of this deficiency, affects nearly 2 billion people globally. In Romania, se CONSIDERS that the prevalence of anemia is over 15%.
However, iron deficiency can also be present without anemia and appropriate sTATISTICS, twice as many people have iron deficiency without anemia. Anemia is a condition characterized by a decrease in the number of erythrocytes (red cells) or the concentration of hemoglobin in the blood. The diagnosis is usually made when the hemoglobin concentration falls below 130 g/L in men, below 120 g/L in non-pregnant women, and below 110 g/L in pregnant women. However, iron deficiency can be present even when the hemoglobin level is within the normal range.
Iron deficiency can cause a number of symptoms such as mental fatigue, irritability, dizziness, rapid loss of concentration, physical exhaustion, reduced physical capacity. This deficiency can also manifest itself in signs such as pale skin, hair loss, brittle nails and mouth ulcers, affecting daily activities.
Women experiencing the mentioned symptoms should talk to their family doctor and ask for specific tests.
The causes of iron deficiency may be related to a diet insufficient in iron, which does not meet the needs of the body, or may be associated with diseases that cause significant iron loss, such as chronic diseases. Certain conditions can restrict iron absorption, such as Crohn’s disease or ulcerative colitis.
A special category of women (but also men) who can have a low level of hemoglobin is represented by those who suffer from thalassemia (a genetic disease found especially in the southern part of Romania). The detection of this chronic condition is done through a test called hemoglobin electrophoresis. Thalassemia being a genetic disease, it is transmitted only from parents to children. Transmission is determined by the presence of a defective gene in the mother or father (or both).
Lack of B group vitamins
Some of the most common B deficiencies are serum folate (vitamin B9/folic acid) and vitamin B12. As we age, the body’s ability to absorb these vitamins decreases considerably, and as a result, memory impairment may occur. right researchersvitamin B12 deficiency is associated with impaired cognitive function and memory, as well as tingling and numbness.
“In recent years, B vitamin deficiencies are linked to diets that abound in processed food, refined grains, sweets, are linked to obesity and intestinal flora disorders. Amazingly, the frequency with which we encounter vitamin B12 deficiency in the omnivorous population has increased, although there is an intake of animal food containing this nutrient,” explained Dr. Ruxandra Pleșea, specialist in nutrition, diabetes and metabolic diseasesfor smartliving.ro.
It is clear that there are multiple causes for which vitamin B deficiencies can occur, but many are related to poor nutrition, long-term extremely restrictive diets. So, in these situations, the deficiency can be corrected if we introduce B-containing foods into the diet.
Other causes are found, according to the nutritionist, when substances are consumed that lead to excess elimination of vitamins (smoking, alcohol consumption) or when there are situations that require an increased intake of Bs (pregnancy, breastfeeding).
Symptoms of folic acid and vitamin B12 deficiency can include megaloblastic anemia, fatigue, cognitive and memory problems, tingling and numbness in the limbs, gastrointestinal disturbances, skin problems, and tongue lesions.
Calcium deficiency
Lack of calcium in the body, also known as hypocalcemia, can be accompanied by various symptoms, such as involuntary muscle contractions, muscle cramps, palpitations, general weakness, numbness in the fingers and around the mouth.
At European level, in the adult population, it is possible esteem a 20% prevalence of dietary calcium deficiency. One of the consequences of long-term calcium deficiency is bone demineralization, a risk factor for osteoporosis. According to the World Health Organization, se CONSIDERS that approximately 500 million men and women worldwide may be affected by osteoporosis.
Worldwide, osteoporosis causes more than 8.9 million fractures annually, resulting in an osteoporosis fracture every 3 seconds. One in three women and one in five men aged 50 and over will have a fracture due to osteoporosis in their lifetime.
The causes of calcium deficiency can vary, but the most common include a diet low in calcium, malabsorption (poor absorption of calcium in the gut), vitamin D deficiency (which helps absorb calcium), kidney disease, such as chronic kidney failure, and some parathyroid disorders that affect blood calcium regulation.
The consequences of calcium deficiency can be serious in the long term. In addition to osteoporosis, hypocalcemia can lead to tooth decay, heart rhythm disorders, and seizures.
Vitamin D deficiency
deficiency Vitamin D deficiency is a global public health problem, affecting approximately 1 billion people worldwide, according to statistics. This deficiency is more common among the elderly, obese patients, nursing home residents, and hospitalized patients. It is estimated that the prevalence of vitamin D deficiency in Romania is between 65% and 75%.
Vitamin D is essential for the proper functioning of the immune system and maintaining bone health, so a lack of it can lead to various symptoms such as fatigue, muscle weakness, bone and muscle pain, mood changes and depression.
The causes of vitamin D deficiency can be many, but the most common include insufficient sun exposure, a diet low in vitamin D, diseases that affect vitamin D absorption (such as celiac disease or Crohn’s disease), obesity, advanced age, and the use of certain medications which can influence vitamin D metabolism.
The consequences of this deficiency can be significant, including bone fragility, rickets (in children), osteoporosis, increased risk of bone fractures, immune disorders, and cardiovascular disease.
Iodine deficiency
Identified in several European countries, including Romania, this deficiency can have serious consequences for health. To remedy this deficiency, it was recommended to supplement the intake of iodine in the diet, and Romania implemented the universal iodization of salt, starting in 2002.
Initially, certain areas were identified as endemic for iodine deficiency, such as the subcarpathian areas, the Transylvanian Plateau, Moldova and Maramureș. With the implementation of salt iodization, the number of these endemic areas was reduced to some regions with an average iodine deficiency, such as some counties in Moldova, the subcarpathian areas of Gorj, Argeș, Vâlcea, Sibiu, Brașov and Bucharest.
Symptoms associated with iodine deficiency may include swelling of the thyroid gland (nodular goiter), fatigue, decreased cognitive ability, dry skin, weight problems, and cardiovascular disorders.
Causes of iodine deficiency may be related to insufficient dietary iodine intake or to the fact that certain geographic regions have iodine-poor soils. This can lead to a lack of iodine in the diet and, implicitly, in the body.
The consequences of iodine deficiency are serious, especially for pregnant women and children. This can lead to an increased risk of hypothyroidism, cretinism (a severe form of mental retardation) in children born to iodine-deficient mothers, and other health problems.
Magnesium deficiency
Studies shows that almost 50% of the inhabitants of Western countries do not get enough magnesium from their diet. It is important to know that a low level of magnesium in the body is associated with a number of health problems, such as type 2 diabetes, heart disease and Alzheimer’s disease.
Magnesium deficiency can cause a variety of unpleasant symptoms, including fatigue, muscle spasms, palpitations, sleep disturbances, anxiety and irritability. A lack of magnesium can also contribute to a weakened immune system and affect bone health.
Causes of magnesium deficiency can include insufficient dietary intake of this mineral, as well as absorption problems in the intestines or excessive losses of magnesium, such as those caused by certain medications or conditions (inflammatory bowel disease, kidney disease, type 2 diabetes ).
The consequences of this deficiency can have a significant impact on health. These can include heart problems, high blood pressure, osteoporosis and other complications. Magnesium deficiency can also worsen the symptoms of pre-existing conditions.
Other nutritional deficiencies that can affect women’s health:
Lack of Omega-3 fatty acids: Can cause symptoms such as chronic inflammation, heart problems, mood disorders and cognitive dysfunction. Causes may include a diet low in omega-3 rich foods or absorption difficulties. Consequences may include an increased risk of cardiovascular disease, excessive inflammation, and impairment of mental and cognitive health; Lack of vitamin C: can cause symptoms such as fatigue, muscle weakness, bleeding gums, and dry skin. The main causes include a diet deficient in foods rich in vitamin C and some medical conditions that can affect the absorption of this vitamin. Consequences include decreased immunity, scurvy and general health impairment; Insufficient protein intake: in the case of very restrictive or deficient diets, women may experience protein deficiencies, which can lead to decreased muscle mass, weakened immune system, problems with tissue regeneration , decreased hormonal function and, in severe cases, to serious conditions such as protein malnutrition.
Photo source: Dreamstime.com
2023-11-09 16:46:00
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