1 in 6 women of childbearing age in Hong Kong suffers from iron deficiency, study finds
- Health experts say drinking coffee or tea during mealtime may also affect the absorption of iron
One in six Hong Kong women of reproductive age suffer from iron deficiency, a study by the city’s health authorities has found, with experts warning that drinking coffee or tea during mealtimes could affect the absorption of the chemical element.
The Department of Health on Tuesday revealed the findings from the Population Health Survey, which showed that 17.5 per cent of female respondents in Hong Kong between 15 and 49 years old suffered from iron deficiency.
The survey found that around one in 10 women in that age group also suffered from iron deficiency anaemia (IDA), a condition in which individuals had both iron deficiency and anaemia, which is a lack of red blood cells.
The study defined iron deficiency as having less than 15 micrograms of serum ferritin, a protein storing iron, in every litre of blood.
“Women of reproductive age have a higher risk of iron loss during menstruation and hence a higher daily requirement for iron,” said Fherina Lam Mo-kan, senior medical and health officer at the Department of Health.
Lam said a prolonged lack of iron might lead to IDA, causing fatigue and reduced exercise tolerance, affecting cognitive function in children.
